Press releases and articles

World Kidney Day: The Role of PLA2R Testing in Diagnosing Primary Membranous Nephropathy (pMN)

World Kidney Day is a global campaign that raises awareness of kidney health and the importance of early detection and prevention of kidney diseases. Among these conditions, primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) is a significant cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, leading to serious kidney complications if left undiagnosed or untreated. In many cases, pMN is associated with autoantibodies targeting the phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R), making serological testing a crucial tool in diagnosis and disease monitoring.

Understanding Primary Membranous Nephropathy (pMN)

Primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) is a kidney disorder characterised by the thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, impairing the kidney’s ability to filter waste and excess fluids effectively. This leads to nephrotic syndrome, which presents symptoms such as proteinuria (excess protein in urine), oedema (swelling in the legs and ankles), hypoalbuminemia (low blood albumin levels) and hyperlipidaemia (high blood lipid levels). While pMN can be secondary to infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain medications, most cases are primary pMN, which is strongly linked to autoantibodies against PLA2R.

The Importance of PLA2R Testing

PLA2R autoantibodies are highly specific to primary membranous nephropathy, making their detection an essential step in confirming diagnosis. Serological testing for PLA2R antibodies offers several advantages. It provides a non-invasive diagnosis, as a PLA2R test requires only a blood sample, eliminating the need for a kidney biopsy. Early detection allows for timely intervention, potentially slowing disease progression. Additionally, the presence and levels of PLA2R antibodies correlate with disease activity, helping clinicians assess treatment response and risk of relapse.

EUROIMMUN’s PLA2R Testing Solutions

EUROIMMUN offers high-quality diagnostic solutions for detecting PLA2R autoantibodies, aiding clinicians in the accurate diagnosis and management of primary membranous nephropathy. These include Anti-PLA2R IIFT, which utilises transfected cells to provide a highly specific and sensitive detection method, and Anti-PLA2R ELISA, a quantitative assay that enables precise antibody level measurement for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy.

Advancing Kidney Health with Early Detection

On World Kidney Day, we highlight the importance of timely and accurate diagnosis in preventing kidney disease progression. EUROIMMUN’s PLA2R testing solutions offer clinicians reliable tools to identify and manage primary membranous nephropathy effectively, improving patient outcomes. By raising awareness and providing innovative diagnostic solutions, we contribute to the global effort to protect kidney health and enhance the quality of life for those affected by kidney diseases.