Clinicaland prognostic features of lipoprotein glomerulopathy in renal allografts

Objective To explore the clinical and prognostic features of lipoprotein glomerulopathy (LPG) in renal allografts. Methods Retrospective analysis was performed for two case of LPG in renal allografts. The onset time was 6 and 9 years after living transplantation respectively. Initial symptoms included proteinuria and hypoproteinemia. Color Doppler ultrasound showed an enlarged graft size and greater parenchymal echogenicity. One patient had hyperlipemia and elevated apolipoprotein E (ApoE). Methylprednisolone pulse was offered with an early control of hyperlipidaemia and proteinuria by fenofibrate and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). Yet it had no effect on graft function. The definite diagnosis was made by graft biopsy. Pathological examination indicated non-homogeneous lipid deposition in glomerular capillary, glomerular sclerosis, mesangial hypercellularity and tubular atrophy. Results During a follow-up period of 8 and 10 years post-transplantation, two cases eventually lost their grafts within 2 and 1 year after biopsy respectively. With long-term dietary control and drug therapy, regular dialysis continued and both awaited a second transplantation. Conclusions LPG is generally steroid-resistant and refractory in renal allografts. And routine biopsy is recommended for patients with a high risk of occurrence. Early controls of hyperlipemia and hypoproteinemia and other risk factors should be also properly managed. Key words: Kidney transplantation; Renal needle biopsy; Apolipoprotein E