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

**Authors:** Wai Tak Victor Li, Kwan Hung Wu, Oi Yee Lin

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.101983 · Cureus · 2026-01-21

## TL;DR

An elderly woman with anti-PLA2R-associated kidney disease showed common aging symptoms, highlighting the need for early diagnosis to protect kidney function.

## Contribution

Highlights atypical presentation of anti-PLA2R MN in elderly patients and successful treatment with rituximab.

## Key findings

- Elderly patient presented with fluid overload and hypoglycaemia instead of typical MN symptoms.
- Rituximab treatment improved renal function and reduced anti-PLA2R antibody levels significantly.

## 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.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** membranous nephropathy (MONDO:0005376)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** MUC16 (mucin 16, cell surface associated) [NCBI Gene 94025] {aka CA125}, ALB (albumin) [NCBI Gene 213] {aka FDAHT, HSA, PRO0883, PRO0903, PRO1341}, MUC1 (mucin 1, cell surface associated) [NCBI Gene 4582] {aka ADMCKD, ADMCKD1, ADTKD2, CA 15-3, CD227, Ca15-3}, C3 (complement C3) [NCBI Gene 718] {aka AHUS5, ARMD9, ASP, C3a, C3b, CPAMD1}, INS (insulin) [NCBI Gene 3630] {aka IDDM, IDDM1, IDDM2, ILPR, IRDN, MODY10}, PLA2R1 (phospholipase A2 receptor 1) [NCBI Gene 22925] {aka CLEC13C, PLA2-R, PLA2G1R, PLA2IR, PLA2R}
- **Diseases:** malnutrition (MESH:D044342), hypertension (MESH:D006973), end-stage renal failure (MESH:D007676), oedema (MESH:C536897), renal disease (MESH:D007674), heart failure (MESH:D006333), MN (MESH:D015433), peripheral (MESH:D010523), cognitive impairment (MESH:D003072), metabolic syndrome (MESH:D024821), Fluid overload (MESH:D019190), nephrotic (MESH:D009404), Tumour (MESH:D009369), psychiatric comorbidities (MESH:D001523), schizophrenia (MESH:D012559), hepatitis C (MESH:D019698), CKD (MESH:D051436), hypoalbuminemia (MESH:D034141), stroke (MESH:D020521), proteinuria (MESH:D011507)
- **Chemicals:** olanzapine (MESH:D000077152), cyclosporine (MESH:D016572), rituximab (MESH:D000069283), zuclopenthixol (MESH:D003006), creatinine (MESH:D003404), aripiprazole (MESH:D000068180), benzhexol (MESH:D014282), C-peptide (MESH:D002096)
- **Species:** Human immunodeficiency virus (species) [taxon 12721], Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## References

13 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12922550/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12922550