Abstract

Since Combes' first description of hepatitis B virus associated membranous glomerulonephritis, many reports have shown a strong association of hepatitis B virus infection with various types of nephropathies, especially membranous glomerulonephritis and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Recently, the authors experienced a case of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, type I in a 16-year-old male patient with persistent HBs and HBe antigenemia. One year prior to admission the patient was told of hepatitis at routine check, but he remained asymptomatic throughout. He was admitted to our hospital with chief complaints of proteinuria and microscopic hematuria found on routine urinalysis. Liver and kidney biopsy revealed chronic persistent hepatitis and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type I, respectively. We report a case of hepatitis B virus associated nephropathy with review of the literatures. Considering the endemic nature of hepatitis B virus infection in Korea, the incidence of hepatitis B virus associated nephropathy would be proportionally high in comparison with those of other countries. So, the importance of this entity merits special consideration in our country. Further study concerning pathogenesis, epidemiology, and treatment may be needed.