Renal amyloidosis and schistosomiasis

Abstract

A retrospective study of 60 renal biopsies obtained from nephrotic subjects with schistosomiasis showed amyloid deposits in 10 cases. Distribution was usually segmental, mainly mesangial and overlapped with the conventional mesangioproliferative lesions of schistosomiasis. The invariable clinical presentation was proteinuria with generalized oedema of insidious onset and a slowly progressive or intermittent course. Differences from conventional schistosomal nephropathy are described. Response to anti-schistosomal treatment was very poor. Repeat renal biopsies showed no regression of the lesions. The possible links between schistosomiasis and amyloidosis are discussed and causes of amyloid deposition suggested.