PRIMARY GLOMERULOPATHIES: LIMA 2006-2015

Abstract

Introduction: Primary glomerulopathies (GPs) constitute a heterogeneous group of renal diseases that mainly affect the glomeruli without identifiable etiologic cause. They present clinically with a broad spectrum of manifestations, from proteinuria, hematuria, and nephrotic syndrome to acute or chronic renal failure. The epidemiology of GP varies geographically; in Peru, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) has increased significantly, becoming the most prevalent form. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was performed using renal biopsies from a referral center in Lima between 2006 and 2015. Patients older than 18 years with a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis of GP were included. Samples were processed for light microscopy and immunofluorescence, classifying glomerular lesions according to their morphological pattern and type of immune deposits. Results: Of the 1259 GP biopsies, 960 met the inclusion criteria. FSGS was the most frequent form (67%), followed by membranous glomerulopathy (MG) (21%) and glomerulopathy with membranoproliferative pattern (MPG) (7%). The annual rate of GPs was 13.2 patients per million population. Conclusion: The prevalence of FSGS has doubled in the last decade, displacing MPG, suggesting an epidemiological change in the Peruvian population.