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-α-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.
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Wong, SN., Yu, E.C.L., Lok, A.S.F. et al. Interferon treatment for hepatitis B-associated membranous glomerulonephritis in two Chinese children. Pediatr Nephrol 6, 417–420 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00873997
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00873997