Abstract: Membranous nephropathy (MN) is an immune complex mediated glomerular disease and mostly manifests as nephrotic syndrome. In the pediatric population, the MN in children is more often secondary to hepatitis B virus infection or systemic lupus erythematosus. In recent years, the incidence of pediatric idiopathic MN is increasing. M-type phospholipase A 2 receptor (PLA 2 R) and thrombospondin type- 1 domain-containing 7 A (THSD 7 A) antibody were initially found in adults. They can be used as biomarkers for the diagnosis of adult idiopathic MN, judgment of disease activity, evaluation of prognosis and assessment of therapeutic effect. Now they are also important indicators for the diagnosis and monitoring of pediatric MN. Conservative support is recommended for patients with non-nephrotic level of proteinuria and low risk of disease progression; immunosuppressive therapy should be given to patients with persistent massive proteinuria, severe complications or deterioration of renal function. This paper reviews the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic membranous nephropathy in children.

Key words: idiopathic membranous nephropathy; m-type phospholipase A 2 receptor; treatment