Pla2 Receptor Antibody

The PLA2 receptor antibody test is used for detecting the presence of primary membranous nephropathy. It is a typical diagnostic test since about 70-75% of patients with this condition possess PLA2 receptor antibodies. 

The kidney consists of small blood vessels, called glomeruli that filter wastes from the blood. In membranous neuropathy, these vessels thicken and get damaged, which allows the proteins present inside to leak into the urine. As this leakage increases, the chances of severe kidney damage increase as well. Ultimately, it may lead to kidney failure.

This condition occurs due to autoimmune activities. The most widely accepted reason is that the body’s immune system accidentally targets a healthy tissue, recognising it to be a foreign body. With the help of autoantibodies, the immune system targets certain filters in the glomeruli causing the vessels to get damaged. This entire phenomenon is known as primary membranous nephropathy.

Secondary membranous nephropathy occurs due to various factors like autoimmune diseases, certain infections, or the usage of medication like gold salts. Primary membranous nephropathy is more common than secondary membranous nephropathy since the latter one is primarily due to drugs or diseases.

The PLA2 receptor antibody test is conducted to differentiate primary membranous nephropathy from other forms. For patients with chronic kidney disease awaiting transplant, high amounts of PLA2 receptor antibodies could indicate the recurrence of this condition, even after transplant. 

The PLA2 receptor antibody test is a standard blood test in which blood is drawn from the vein in the arm. After collection, it is stored in a clean and labelled container and sent for analysis. The subsequent results can either be positive or negative, indicating the presence or absence of PLA2 receptor antibodies, respectively. 
For reference, the standard values, along with their interpretation, are given below.

• Negative: Less than 14 RU/ml (relative units per millilitre)
• Borderline: Greater than or equal to 14 RU/ml but lesser than 20 RU/ml
• Positive: Greater than or equal to 20 RU/ml
  
  Apollo 24|7 offers a comprehensive PLA2 receptor antibody test, which can be combined with additional tests to confirm the diagnosis of the type of membranous nephropathy. Some of the common symptoms associated with this condition are:
• Swelling in the leg and ankles
• Increased blood pressure
• Blood in the urine
• Sudden pain in the area between the middle back and upper belly
• Sudden shortness of breath, which may be caused due to a blood clot-related issue 
  
  If these symptoms are persistent or severe, a visit to the doctor is important, who might recommend a series of tests to understand the issue. In the absence of proper medical intervention, these symptoms may worsen and lead to serious health complications. 

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Ravi Vemagiri Andrews, Sr Nephrologist, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.