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Primary membranous glomerulonephritis presenting with nephrotic syndrome in a young woman: a case report

Zarina AYIK, Konul ABDULLAYEVA and Vildan MEVSIM

Nephrotic syndrome, characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and hypertension, represents a potentially serious renal condition that may first be encountered in primary care. Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) is one of the most common causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults and can present without overt systemic symptoms. Early recognition in family medicine is essential to prevent complications and enable timely specialist referral.A 26-year-old woman presented to a primary care clinic with a two-month history of bilateral eyelid swelling, progressive lower extremity edema, and reduced urine output. She had no known chronic disease, no regular medication use, and no family history of renal disease. Physical examination revealed marked bilateral periorbital edema, severe pitting edema of the lower extremities, diffuse hyperpigmented skin lesions, and elevated blood pressure (170/100 mmHg). Given the combination of persistent edema and hypertension, the patient was urgently referred to a tertiary care center for further evaluation. One month later, the patient returned with discharge documentation. Investigations demonstrated nephrotic-range proteinuria (>6 g/day), hypoalbuminemia, and normal renal serology, including negative anti-dsDNA antibodies and normal complement levels. There was no history of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use or systemic symptoms suggestive of secondary causes. Renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of primary membranous glomerulonephritis.This case highlights how subtle but persistent clinical findings in a young patient can indicate severe renal pathology and underscores the diagnostic value of vigilant assessment in primary care.Persistent edema and hypertension in young adults should prompt consideration of glomerular disease. Early referral for advanced diagnostics, including renal biopsy, is critical.MGN may present insidiously, and primary care physicians play a key role in initiating timely evaluation and referral, enabling early immunosuppressive treatment.Family physicians are central to the early detection of nephrotic syndrome. Clinical vigilance and prompt referral can significantly influence patient outcomes in serious renal disease.   Keywords (MeSH, plain text): Nephrotic Syndrome; Membranous Glomerulonephritis; Primary Care; Proteinuria; Renal Biopsy