Anti-phospholipase A2 Receptor Membranous Nephropathy Presenting as Common Geriatric Complaints: A Case Report

Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R) antibodies are an established cause of primary membranous nephropathy (MN). However, typical symptoms of proteinuria, such as peripheral oedema and frothy urine, are not easily identified in the elderly, and other non-specific presentations, such as hypoglycaemia and fluid overload, may lead to delays in diagnosis. We report a case of anti-PLA2R-associated MN in an elderly woman who presented with fluid overload and recurrent hypoglycaemia, both of which are common in this age group. Renal function and anti-PLA2R antibody titres improved substantially following treatment with rituximab. This case underscores the importance of early clinical suspicion and timely intervention in elderly patients in order to preserve residual renal function and optimise outcomes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2026-01-21
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.101983
Primary Topic
Renal Diseases and Glomerulopathies
Type
article
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article

Anti-phospholipase A2 Receptor Membranous Nephropathy Presenting as Common Geriatric Complaints: A Case Report

Oi Yee Lin, Kwan Hung Wu, Wai Tak Victor Li
Cureus
Renal Diseases and Glomerulopathies
article

Anti-phospholipase A2 Receptor Membranous Nephropathy Presenting as Common Geriatric Complaints: A Case Report

Oi Yee Lin, Kwan Hung Wu, Wai Tak Victor Li
article en

Abstract

Anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (anti-PLA2R) antibodies are an established cause of primary membranous nephropathy (MN). However, typical symptoms of proteinuria, such as peripheral oedema and frothy urine, are not easily identified in the elderly, and other non-specific presentations, such as hypoglycaemia and fluid overload, may lead to delays in diagnosis. We report a case of anti-PLA2R-associated MN in an elderly woman who presented with fluid overload and recurrent hypoglycaemia, both of which are common in this age group. Renal function and anti-PLA2R antibody titres improved substantially following treatment with rituximab. This case underscores the importance of early clinical suspicion and timely intervention in elderly patients in order to preserve residual renal function and optimise outcomes.

CureusVol. 18(1)
Queen Mary Hospital (CN), Tung Wah Hospital (CN)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 85%
Renal Diseases and Glomerulopathies
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Anti-phospholipase A2 Receptor Membranous Nephropathy Presenting as Common Geriatric Complaints: A Case Report — Oi Yee Lin, Kwan Hung Wu, et al. · Cureus (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS