- Proliferative glomerulonephritis:
According to the site of proliferation within the renal glomeruli,
this type could be sub-divided into:
a. Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (Figure 3.4):
There is an increase in mesangial matrix and mesangial
nuclei by light microscopic examination.
This disease usually presents with haematuria or with
nephrotic syndrome.
b. Mesangiocapillary (or membranoproliferative)
glomerulonephritis (Figure 3.5): There are both diffuse
thickening of glomerular capillary wall and mesangial
proliferation.
This disease may present as nephrotic syndrome. The disease
is usually steroid resistant and slowly progresses to chronic
renal failure.
c. Crescentic glomerulonephritis (Figure 3.6): There is
extensive cellular proliferations in the Bowman's capsule
giving the appearance of crescent surrounding the glomerular
tufts. This disease is serious and usually presents as rapidly
progressive glomerulonephritis.
d. IgA nephropathy: This is a proliferative type of
glomerulonephritis characterized with predominant
immunoglobulin A deposition in renal glomeruli when
kidney sections are examined by immunofluorescence.
IgA nephropathy is the commonest glomerular disease
presenting with gross or microscopic haematuria.
