Clinical Outcomes of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Renal Significance Without Detectable Clones

Renal Pathology Society/International Kidney and Monoclonal Gammopathy Research Group consensus on pathologic definitions and terminology of monoclonal gammopathy-associated kidney lesions

The spectrum of kidney lesions associated with monoclonal gammopathy has significantly expanded over the past 2 decades, with description of new entities and variants of old entities. Pathologic diagnosis is challenging because of lesional complexity, heterogeneity, and reliance on electron microscopy and ancillary techniques. A lack of precise pathologic definitions and uniform terminology has hampered diagnostic accuracy. To address these challenges, the Renal Pathology Society and International Kidney and Monoclonal Gammopathy Research Group jointly tasked a working group of nephropathologists and nephrologists to establish consensus-based terminology and definitions for monoclonal gammopathy-associated kidney lesions. Participants included experts in the field with international representation. This report presents their recommendations. For each lesion, prerequisite (mandatory) diagnostic criteria and supportive (nonmandatory) features are proposed. New terminology is provided for some lesions. Application of standardized terminology and definitions should help harmonize kidney biopsy diagnosis with precision therapy in the monoclonal gammopathy-associated kidney disorders.

Repeated Kidney Biopsy in Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis

Introduction

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is a heterogeneous pattern of glomerular injury. Repeated kidney biopsies may elucidate pathogenic mechanisms and guide diagnostic strategies.

Methods

We included 82 patients diagnosed with MPGN by kidney biopsy who underwent at least two biopsies between 1997 and 2023 at Peking University First Hospital. Clinical and pathological data were analyzed retrospectively.

Results

Of 342 MPGN patients, 95 (28%) had repeated biopsies (0.9-4.0 years apart). This incidence was higher than in other glomerulonephropathies under immunosuppression. Among the 82 patients analyzed (excluding kidney transplants and ≤3-month biopsy intervals), 42 were initially diagnosed with non-MPGN pathology. At the second biopsy, proteinuria increased (from 2.9 to 6.3 g/day), eGFR declined (from 76 to 47 mL/min/1.73 m2), and renal C3 deposition was stronger (p = 0.04). Thirty patients (37%) had etiological reclassification, mostly to monoclonal gammopathy of renal significance (MGRS). Compared to idiopathic MPGN, MGRS patients were older (53 vs. 35 years) and had worse renal function (eGFR 57 vs. 81 mL/min/1.73 m2) but slower eGFR decline (-7 vs. -12 mL/min/1.73 m2/year). Most MGRS patients (64%) remained negative for monoclonal protein in serum or urine immunofixation, necessitating repeat biopsy and clone-directed therapy.

Conclusion

In this study, about half and one-third of patients underwent morphological and etiological reclassification, respectively. Stronger complement deposition may drive morphological changes. Repeated kidney biopsies are crucial for diagnosing MGRS, especially in patients with negative immunofixation.