Abstract

To evaluate the structural characteristics that might be related to the clinical features noted in preeclamptic patients with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS), we analyzed post-partum renal biopsies of 8 preeclamptic patients with FSGS (group 1) by morphometry and glomerular studied the structural-functional relationships. These findings were also compared with those from three postpartum cases with minimal change lesion(group 2) and normal age-matched women(group 3). Mean glomerular volume (MGV) in group 1 and group 2 was (2.64 +/- 0.49) x 10(6) micrometer3 and (2.56+/-0.25)x 10(6) micrometer3, respectively. MGV in both groups was significantly increased compared with that of the control group [(1.11+/-0.22)x10(6) micrometer3](p<0.0005). The volume density of the mesangium/glomerulus [Vv(mes/glom)] in the group 1 patients was significantly increased (p<0.0001) when compared with that of the group 2 and the control group patients. The increment of Vv(mes/glom) was related to both the mesangial cell proliferation and expansion of mesangial matrix. The volume density of the capillary lumen/glomerulus [Vv(cap/glom)] in group I was significantly decreased(p<0.0001) when compared with that of group 2 and the control group. Vv(cap/glom) was directly related to Ccr in group l(r=0.70, p=0.05). These results suggest that reduced capillary luminal area caused by mesangial interposition is related to the decreased glomerular filtration rate in preeclamptic FSGS.

• Keywords: Morphometry;Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis;Preeclampsia;Renal function;Pregnancy;