COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Can Trigger Primary Membranous Nephropathy in Those with Pre-Existing Autoimmune Issues
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 11, 2025 18 hours, 39 minutes ago
Medical News: A rare but serious kidney disorder known as primary membranous nephropathy (MN) has been diagnosed in a woman suffering from autoimmune Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) just weeks after receiving her fourth COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. Medical researchers from the Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center in Taipei, Taiwan, have now documented this unique case, raising concerns about potential vaccine-related complications in individuals with pre-existing autoimmune conditions.
COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine Can Trigger Primary Membranous Nephropathy in Those with Pre-Existing Autoimmune Issues
The case involved a 52-year-old woman who had been managing her autoimmune disorder for over three years. After her last dose of the Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, she began experiencing breathlessness, leg swelling, and significantly reduced urination. This
Medical News report highlights how these symptoms were the first signs of a dangerous and rapid kidney deterioration that required urgent medical attention.
Sudden Onset of Life-Threatening Symptoms
Upon arriving at the emergency department, doctors discovered that the woman had gained eight kilograms in just one month due to fluid buildup. X-rays revealed fluid in the lungs, and blood tests showed signs of kidney damage, including very high protein levels in the urine, low blood albumin, and elevated creatinine. The patient was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN).
A detailed kidney biopsy revealed the presence of anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies and damage typical of primary MN, a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the kidney’s filtering system. Further tests confirmed the diagnosis. The medical team initiated an aggressive treatment plan, which included haemodialysis, plasma exchange, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressants such as mycophenolate mofetil and calcineurin inhibitors.
Within three months, the patient experienced a dramatic improvement—protein levels in her urine normalized, and her kidney function returned to near normal. However, mild relapses continued to occur over the year.
Link Between mRNA Vaccines and Autoimmune Kidney Conditions
Primary MN is considered a rare disease, especially when it appears in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome, where kidney issues more commonly involve other parts of the kidney. What makes this case extraordinary is the timing—occurring just one month after an mRNA vaccine booster in someone with a family history of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and pSS.
Researchers note there has been a noticeable increase in reports of kidney problems following vaccination. Conditions such as minimal change disease, IgA nephropathy, and MN have all been documented after receiving mRNA vaccines. Scientists believe that immune responses triggered by the spike protein or the lipid nanoparticles in the vaccine may, in rare cases, trigger autoimmune reactions in genetical
ly susceptible individuals.
Implications for Patients with Autoimmune Histories
The researchers from the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, and Department of Pathology at the Tri-Service General Hospital stress that this case should not discourage vaccination, especially considering the ongoing risks of COVID-19 itself. However, they urge doctors to monitor patients with autoimmune disorders closely after each vaccine dose, especially those with a known family history of similar diseases.
The case also points to a need for more in-depth research into how mRNA vaccines interact with the immune systems of people who have autoimmune tendencies. Given the continuing global use of booster shots, understanding and preventing such rare but serious reactions will be vital for safe vaccination campaigns in the future.
Conclusion
This unusual case of vaccine-triggered kidney damage in a woman with autoimmune Sjögren’s syndrome sheds light on the delicate balance between immunization and underlying immune dysfunction. Those with autoimmune conditions may face a slightly increased risk of immune system overactivation. Doctors are encouraged to remain vigilant and consider renal complications in autoimmune patients showing new or worsening symptoms post-vaccination. With early detection and aggressive treatment, full recovery is possible, as demonstrated in this case.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Nephrology.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nep.70048
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