Treatment and outcome of adult patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in five UK renal units.
BACKGROUND
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the least studied of the causes of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, and there are few specific guidelines for treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To review data from five UK renal units to investigate whether adult patients with FSGS were treated uniformly, and to examine the effect of treatment on proteinuria and survival.


METHODS
Retrospective record review.


METHODS
We examined electronic records of patients with idiopathic FSGS for information on baseline clinical parameters, treatment regimens and outcomes.


RESULTS
Of 136 patients with primary FSGS and nephrotic range proteinuria, 76 (56%) were treated with prednisolone and of this group, 59% were treated with additional immunosuppression. Among the treated patients, the total remission rate (complete and partial) was 67%, and one hospital achieved a remission rate of 80%. Treated patients had a significantly higher remission rate than those who were not treated. Remission was associated with a 5-year survival off dialysis of 94%, compared with 53% if remission was not achieved. Baseline serum creatinine and remission were independently associated with survival off dialysis in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with primary FSGS and nephrotic range proteinuria, who are treated with corticosteroids, are more likely to enter remission than those who are not treated. Remission rates of up to 80% can be achieved with prolonged treatment, and remission is an independent predictor of survival off dialysis. Patients who do not achieve remission have a poor prognosis. Further clarification of optimal treatment regimens requires additional, prospective studies.
Stirling
C M
CM
Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK. cathstirling@hotmail.com
Mathieson
P
P
Boulton-Jones
J M
JM
Feehally
J
J
Jayne
D
D
Murray
H M
HM
Adu
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005923:Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D006113:United Kingdom
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents