Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in β-thalassemia intermedia; a case report

Abstract

Introduction: β-thalassemia intermedia reduces the body’s ability to produce adult hemoglobin and causes anemia. In contrast to β-thalassemia major, β-thalassemia intermedia patients do not require lifelong transfusion and are often independent of blood transfusion until young age. Moreover, chronic hypoxia and iron overload may cause tubular and glomerular dysfunction in patients with thalassemia. Case Presentation: We report a 21-year-old female with β-thalassemia intermedia (β-TI) presenting with generalized edema and proteinuria and showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) after renal biopsy. Conclusion: The possibility of occurrence of MPGN in patients with thalassemia should be considered. To our knowledge, it is the first case of thalassemia that was reported with MPGN and, more investigation is required to assess the association of thalassemia and MPGN.

Keywords

• case report
• anemia
• thalassemia intermedia
• renal complication
• glomerulonephritis