(membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis) a renal disease characterized by changes in the glomeruli with mesangial cell proliferation and thickening of the capillary wall (see juxtaglomerular apparatus). Three types are distinguished. Type 1 is associated with immune deposits in the subendothelial space and the mesangial cells, and may sometimes be associated with cryoglobulinaemia (see cryoglobulin) and infection with the hepatitis C virus. Type 2, also known as dense deposit disease, is associated with a ribbon of electron-dense material within the glomerular basement membrane. Type 3 is associated with immune deposits in the subendothelium, the basement membrane, and the subepithelial spaces. All three types have a variable presentation, ranging from asymptomatic abnormalities of the urinary sediment through *nephrotic syndrome to subacute renal failure. Apart from treatment of any coexisting hepatitis C, there is no consensus regarding specific treatment of these conditions.
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