Hungarian Researchers Warn That COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Are Causing Serious Kidney Damage and Glomerular Issues
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 08, 2025 19 hours, 59 minutes ago
Medical News: A new study by Hungarian researchers has brought to light an alarming link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccines and severe kidney damage. Conducted at the prestigious Semmelweis University in Budapest, the study involved teams from the Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology and the Institute of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine. Led by Dr. Ákos Pethő and Dr. Deján Dobi, the research covered in this
Medical News report, identifies rare but significant renal complications, offering a detailed analysis of their manifestations and possible mechanisms. These findings are crucial for understanding vaccine safety.
Hungarian Researchers Warn That COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines Are Causing
Serious Kidney Damage and Glomerular Issues
Study Overview: The Alarming Cases of Kidney Damage
The study examined six individuals who developed kidney damage after receiving mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna). These cases represent both de novo and relapsing glomerular diseases, highlighting the complex interplay between immune responses and renal health. Detailed kidney biopsies revealed pathologies such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), minimal change disease (MCD), and lupus nephritis. The timeline of symptoms, starting within weeks of vaccination, and the absence of prior kidney issues in most cases underscore a strong association.
Case Studies: Real Stories Behind the Numbers
-Case 1: Severe FSGS in a Young Male
A 26-year-old man with autoimmune conditions, including Addison’s disease and Type 1 diabetes, developed generalized edema and severe proteinuria three months after his Moderna vaccination. A biopsy revealed FSGS with tip lesions. Treatment with steroids and cyclosporine brought his condition into remission within two years.
-Case 2: Persistent Proteinuria in a Young Woman
A 25-year-old woman developed nephrotic syndrome shortly after her first Pfizer vaccine dose. Laboratory tests showed significant proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia. A biopsy confirmed FSGS with both tip and perihilar lesions. Initial steroid treatment failed to provide long-term relief, requiring rituximab and cyclosporine. Her condition remains partially managed after two years.
-Case 3: Minimal Change Disease in a Middle-Aged Woman
A 41-year-old woman experienced rapid-onset nephrotic syndrome after her second Pfizer dose. Biopsy findings pointed to MCD, which responded well to a 13-week steroid regimen. She achieved complete remission within three months.
-Case 4: Complications in a Bodybuilding Enthusiast
A 20-year-old male bodybuilder developed severe proteinuria and edema after two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Initial suspicions of FSGS were confirmed with a biopsy. Steroid and cyclosporine treatments led to complete remission at the two-year follow-up.
-Case 5: Persistent MCD in an Adolescent Girl
A 16-year-old girl developed proteinuria and
a rash three weeks after her first Moderna dose. While a biopsy was initially avoided, continued symptoms necessitated one, confirming MCD. Despite treatment with steroids and cyclosporine, her proteinuria persisted at significant levels over 18 months.
-Case 6: Lupus Nephritis Triggered in a Middle-Aged Woman
A 46-year-old woman with a history of autoimmune diseases experienced severe proteinuria one month after receiving the Pfizer vaccine. A biopsy confirmed lupus nephritis (ISN/RPS Class V). While initial treatments stabilized her condition, close monitoring and cyclosporine therapy continue.
Types of Kidney Damage Identified
The study identified several forms of kidney damage linked to mRNA vaccines:
-Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): Characterized by scarring of glomeruli, FSGS disrupts the kidney’s filtration process. Inflammatory cytokines, activated by the vaccine’s immune response, likely exacerbate or trigger this condition.
-Minimal Change Disease (MCD): Often leading to nephrotic syndrome, MCD involves damage to the podocytes in the kidney. Biopsy findings showed diffuse foot process effacement, a hallmark of this disease.
-Lupus Nephritis: Triggered in individuals predisposed to autoimmune conditions, this form of kidney damage involves immune complex deposits, leading to significant protein loss and inflammation.
-Membranous Glomerulopathy: Though not observed in the six cases, previous literature notes instances linked to vaccine-induced immune responses.
The Possible Mechanisms
The researchers propose that the heightened immune activation induced by mRNA vaccines may inadvertently harm the kidneys in susceptible individuals. Vaccines work by prompting the body to produce the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, triggering robust T-cell responses. For some, this can lead to excessive cytokine release, including interferon-γ and TNF-α, which may damage kidney structures like podocytes. Subclinical glomerular diseases may become clinically apparent under this immune stress.
Implications and Recommendations
This study calls for:
-Enhanced Monitoring: Healthcare providers should remain vigilant for signs of renal complications in recently vaccinated individuals.
-Risk Profiling: Developing personalized vaccine recommendations for those with autoimmune or kidney disease histories.
-Informed Decision-Making: Transparency about rare side effects will help maintain public trust and allow individuals to make informed choices.
Conclusion: A Balanced Perspective
The Hungarian researchers provide a nuanced view of vaccine safety. While the documented cases of kidney damage are concerning, they are exceedingly rare. Vaccination continues to save millions of lives worldwide, reducing the severity and mortality of COVID-19. At the same time, recognizing and addressing these adverse effects will ensure improved safety and efficacy.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: The American Journal of the Medical Sciences.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002962925000011
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-mrna-jabs-can-cause-new-onset-of-acute-interstitial-nephritis
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/vaccine-news
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