A Case of Hepatitis B Virus Associated Nephropathy

B형 간염 바이러스(Hepatitis B Virus)에 의한 신장병증 1예

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 membraoproliferative 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 viurs 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.

저자들은 16세 남자 환자에서 만성 지속성 간염 및 막증식성 사구체신염(type I)이 발생한 Hepatitis B virus associated nephropathy 1예(例)를 경험하였기에 보고하는 바이며, 특히 우리나라는 B형 간염 바이러스의 나환율(羅患率)이 높기 때문에 B형 간염과 연관된 신질환의 빈도도 높을 것으로 추정(推定)되며, 그 중요성도 클 것으로 사료(思料)된다. 따라서 향후(向後) Hepatitis B virus associated nephropathy의 발생 기전 및 치료법에 관한 체계적인 연구가 필요할 것으로 생각된다.