title: Renal histology patterns in a prospective study of nephrology clinics in Lagos, Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Nigeria is quite alarming. The prevalence of CKD ranges from 11 - 23.5%. Hypertension and chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) remain the two leading causes of CKD in Nigeria. The etiology of CKD in many of these patients remains unknown, as few biopsies are done. In order to demystify the various glomerular diseases that culminate in CGN, performing a kidney biopsy offers a ray of hope. Few studies on renal biopsies have emanated from Nigeria; this study, however, is unique as the histopathological analysis involves light, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopies.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study involved two teaching hospitals in Lagos. Patients from these centers, who met the inclusion criteria, underwent real-time renal biopsy; after providing written informed consent.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among the 52 patients analyzed 26, (50%) were males. The mean age was 31.7 ± 12.8, with age range of 13 - 56 years. The most common indication for kidney biopsy was nephrotic syndrome, accounting for 73%. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was the most frequent histopathological diagnosis seen in 25 patients (48.1%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings from this study highlight the role that renal biopsy plays in making a concrete diagnosis in nephrology practice in a developing country like Nigeria. As almost 80% of the study population was made up of patients with FSGS and lupus nephritis, it remains to be determined by further studies among our patients, the role that Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL 1) gene mutation will play in the etiology of renal diseases in Nigeria.
authors: Theophilus I
authors: TI
authors: Umeizudike
authors: Jacob O
authors: JO
authors: Awobusuyi
authors: Christiana O
authors: CO
authors: Amira
authors: Taslim B
authors: TB
authors: Bello
authors: Monica O
authors: MO
authors: Mabayoje
authors: Adebowale O
authors: AO
authors: Adekoya
authors: Olufemi O
authors: OO
authors: Adelowo
authors: Mumuni A
authors: MA
authors: Amisu
mesh_terms: D058186:Acute Kidney Injury / Q000473:pathology; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000473:pathology; D005923:Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D008181:Lupus Nephritis / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D008875:Middle Aged; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000473:pathology; D009549:Nigeria; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000652:urine; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult