Swelling may be present along with signs of fluid overload, such as abnormal sounds when listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope. The blood pressure is often elevated. A kidney biopsy confirms the diagnosis of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type 1. Treatment may vary according to the symptoms. Treatment goals include reduction of symptoms, prevention of complications, and slowed progression of the disorder.
Antihypertensive medications are critical to help control blood pressure .
Diuretics or other medications may be appropriate to control edema or other symptoms. Dialysis or kidney transplant may eventually be required to manage renal failure . Combination therapy with aspirin and dipyridamole may slow progression to renal failure with MPGN 1. This treatment is of unproven value. Fifty percent of cases will develop chronic renal failure within 10 years.