Interferon treatment for hepatitis B-associated membranous glomerulonephritis in two Chinese children

Pediatr Nephrol. 1992 Sep;6(5):417-20. doi: 10.1007/BF00873997.

Abstract

Two Chinese boys, aged 3.5 and 5 years, developed nephrotic syndrome and were chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B virus e antigen (HBeAg). Renal biopsy showed membranous glomerulonephritis and liver biopsy showed chronic persistent hepatitis. They were given interferon-alpha-2a at a dose of 5 MU/m2 on alternate days for 12 and 16 weeks after 2 years of persistent nephrotic syndrome. Patient 1 showed complete remission and resolution of hepatosplenomegaly, but his serum remained positive for HBsAg, HBeAg and hepatitis B virus DNA. Patient 2 showed only a transient clinical response and seroconversion from HBeAg to anti-HBe status. Although not always successful, interferon treatment should be considered in severe persistent nephrotic states, since there is at present no satisfactory treatment for this form of glomerulonephropathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Child, Preschool
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / complications*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / drug therapy*
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis B / complications*
  • Hepatitis B / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens / analysis
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics
  • Hong Kong / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Interferons / therapeutic use*
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Male

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens
  • Interferons