Diagnostic Value of Serum Immunoglobulins in Glomerulonephritis

ABSTRACT

Serum immunoglobulin concenatrations were measured in 156 patients with various types of glomerulonephritis such as acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, minimal lesion nephrotic syndrome and Henoch-Sch?lein purpura nephritis. 1) Serum IgG level was above normal mean in acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, and normal range in Henoch-Scholein purpura nephritis. Serum IgG concentrations were significantly reduced in minimal lesion nephrotic syndrome. 2) Serum IgA concentrations were normal limit in minimal lesion nephrotic syndrome. In one-forth of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis and one-half of Henoch-Sch?lein purpura nephritis, serum IgA concentrations were elevated. 3) Serum IgM concentrations were normal in acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, minimal lesion nephrotic syndrome and Henoch-Sch?lein purpura nephritis. We concluded that serum immunoglobulin concentrations were not useful as an aid in diagnosing glomerulonephritis.