Focal segmental sclerosing glomerulonephritis (FSSGN) (synonyms: Focal glomerulitis; Focal nephritis; ICD-10-GM N05.1: Unspecified nephritic syndrome: focal and segmental glomerular lesions), there is sclerosis (hardening of tissue) and deposits in the area of the glomeruli (renal filterlets).
Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the glomeruli (renal corpuscles) of the kidneys caused by many different factors. It is the second most common cause of terminal renal failure (kidney failure requiring replacement therapy in the form of dialysis or kidney transplantation) in Germany, accounting for 15% of all cases.
The following main forms of glomerulonephritis are distinguished:
- Minimal change glomerulonephritis (MCGN) (glomerular minimal lesion) – the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in childhood.
- Focal segmental sclerosing glomerulonephritis (FSSGN) – associated with nephrotic syndrome in approximately 15% of cases.
- Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) – the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults; accounts for 20-30% of all glomerulonephritides; may be primary or secondary (resulting from other diseases)
- Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) – associated with nephrotic syndrome in 50%.
- Mesangial IgA glomerulonephritis – most common form with up to 35% of cases.
- Rapid progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) – occurs in 2-7% of patients; the disease is classified into several causative groups
Focal segmental sclerosing glomerulonephritis may be primary or secondary (secondary to other conditions such as heroin abuse (heroin abuse), HIV, obesity, and others). In approximately 30% of cases, it is genetic (primary).
In adults, focal segmental sclerosing glomerulonephritis is the cause of about 15% of nephrotic syndrome (about 50% in people with black skin). Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by proteinuria (loss of protein in urine), resulting hypoproteinemia (too little protein in the blood), as well as hyperlipoproteinemia (lipid metabolism disorders) and edema (water retention).
Sex ratio: Men are more commonly affected than women.
Frequency peak: the disease occurs predominantly in individuals under 50 years of age.
Course and prognosis: Without remission (temporary (transient) or permanent remission of disease symptoms), 60% of patients are terminally renal failure (kidney failure) after 10 years. In contrast, with full remission (permanent remission of disease symptoms), only 10% are.
