C3 glomerulopathy is a group of related conditions that cause the kidneys to malfunction. The major features of C3 glomerulopathy include high levels of protein in the urine (proteinuria), blood in the urine (hematuria), reduced amounts of urine, low levels of protein in the blood, and swelling in many areas of the body. Affected individuals may have particularly low levels of a protein called complement component 3 (or C3) in the blood.
C3 glomerulopathy is associated with changes in many genes. Most of these genes provide instructions for making proteins that help regulate a part of the body's immune response known as the complement system. This system is a group of proteins that work together to destroy foreign invaders (such as bacteria and viruses), trigger inflammation, and remove debris from cells and tissues. The complement system must be carefully regulated so it targets only unwanted materials and does not damage the body's healthy cells.
C3 glomerulopathy is very rare, affecting 1 to 2 per million people worldwide. It is equally common in men and women.
Most cases of C3 glomerulopathy are sporadic, which means they occur in people with no history of the disorder in their family. Only a few reported families have had more than one family member with C3 glomerulopathy. However, many affected people have had close relatives with autoimmune diseases, which occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body's tissues and organs. The connection between C3 glomerulopathy and autoimmune diseases is not fully understood.
Andrew Bomback is a Nephrologist in New York, New York. Dr. Bomback has been practicing medicine for over 19 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of C3 Glomerulopathy. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Membranous Nephropathy, Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis, and Minimal Change Disease. He is licensed to treat patients in New York. Dr. Bomback is currently accepting new patients.
Marina Noris is in Ranica, Italy. Noris is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of C3 Glomerulopathy. She is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are D-Minus Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome, D-Plus Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, and Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis.
Fernando Fervenza is a Nephrologist in Rochester, Minnesota. Dr. Fervenza has been practicing medicine for over 40 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of C3 Glomerulopathy. He is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Membranous Nephropathy, Glomerulonephritis, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, and Minimal Change Disease. He is licensed to treat patients in Minnesota. Dr. Fervenza is currently accepting new patients.
Published Date:updated Last, December
Published By: National Institutes of Health