A Renal Biopsy Study in Toxaemia of Pregnancy

Abstract

SUMMARY Renal biopsy specimens from 11 women with severe pre-eclamptic toxaemia were examined by light and electron microscopy linked with immunofluorescence and immuno-electron microscopy. The part played by the mesangium in causing capillary loop thickening is stressed, and the progress of this 'strangulation' is illustrated. In contrast to the findings of most previous authors, IgM was demonstrated by direct immunofluorescence in all biopsy specimens, and its presence and site within the glomerulus were shown by immuno-electron microscopy in three cases.

Relationship between histopathological changes in post partum renal biopsies and renal function tests of African women with early onset pre-eclampsia

“…Earlier immunofluorescence studies in renal biopsies from pre-eclamptic women demonstrated the presence of IgM and IgG (17), sub-endothelial deposits of IgM (18,19), IgM and C3 and electron dense subendothelial deposits in capillary loops during pregnancy (20). In the present study immunofluorescence microscopic findings was only possible in 34 specimens.…”