Both acute and chronic HBV infections have been associated with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, in which immune complexes are deposited in the basement membrane of the glomerulus.  Interferon therapy is very effective for hepatitis B-induced membranous glomerulonephritis, but response is poor in those with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (41,42).  In membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis HBeAg clearance occurs in the same proportion of patients as with standard indications for chronic liver hepatitis B. Corticosteroid therapy is contraindicated. There are no reports on the use of lamivudine in these patients.

 
The indications for interferon therapy in patients with hepatitis B-induced membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis are the same as for hepatitis B patients without glomerulonephritis, i.e., the indication for treatment is the liver disease. In membranous glomerulonephritis, the renal disease per se is an indication for interferon therapy (because the response rate is so good).  No recommendations for or against the use of lamivudine could be made.

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