Written by C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare kidney disease characterized by the abnormal deposition of the complement protein C3 in the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys. The complement system is a group of proteins that work together to protect the body from infection and injury. However, in C3G, the complement system is overactive and damages the glomeruli.
C3G can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in adults. The exact cause of C3G is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues.
Symptoms of C3G
Many people with C3G have no symptoms and only find out they have the disease when they have a blood or urine test for another reason. However, some people may experience symptoms such as:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Foamy urine (proteinuria)
- Swelling in the hands and feet (edema)
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Back pain
Diagnosis of C3G
C3G is diagnosed based on a combination of medical history, physical exam, blood tests, and urine tests. A kidney biopsy may also be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the disease.
Treatment of C3G
There is no cure for C3G, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and manage the symptoms. Treatment options include:
- Blood pressure medications
- Cholesterol medications
- Immunosuppressive medications
- Diet changes
- Lifestyle changes
In some cases, people with C3G may progress to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which means that their kidneys stop working properly. If this happens, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary.
Prognosis for C3G
The prognosis for people with C3G varies depending on the severity of the disease. Some people with C3G have a mild form of the disease and experience few or no symptoms. Others may have a more severe form of the disease and progress to ESRD.
Early diagnosis and treatment are important for helping to improve the prognosis for people with C3G.
What can you do to manage C3G?
If you have C3G, there are a number of things you can do to help manage your condition and improve your prognosis:
- Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
- Follow a healthy diet.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Control your blood pressure.
- Control your cholesterol.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Get regular exercise.
- Follow up with your doctor regularly for monitoring and treatment.
If you have any questions or concerns about C3G, be sure to talk to your doctor.