Monday 8 November 2010

MRCP revision battle 43.6: Focal Segmental Glomerulonephritis

Focal segmental glomerulonephritis accounts for less than 10% of nephrotic syndrome in children but up to 20% in young adults.



The characteristic feature of focal segmental glomerulonephritis is IgM and C3 deposits in affected areas.



Focal segmental glomerulonephritis may be primary or secondary to:
  • reflux
  • IgA glomerulonephropathy
  • Alport's syndrome
  • heroin abuse
  • vasculitis

First line treatment is corticosteroids, which produce a response in around 30%.

25% of cases will progress to end stage renal failure, and if these are treated by renal transplant there is a 20-50% recurrence rate.

2% of patients suffer a rapid detioration


On that apt note lets move on to acute renal failure...