Abstract
The histologic features of idiopathic forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) were first described by Theodor Fahr in the Handbuch der speziellen pathologischen Anatomie und Histologie in 1925 [1]. Over the subsequent eight decades much has been written about the histologic features and clinical characteristics of patients with FSGS, but it is only in recent years that attention has been directed to the incidence and prevalence of the disorder in various populations. This article will provide an overview of the epidemiology of FSGS by reviewing published surveys of renal biopsies, experiences from clinical registries of children with renal insufficiency, and data from the U.S. Renal Data Systems (USRDS).
Highlights
The histologic features of idiopathic forms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) were first described by Theodor Fahr in the Handbuch der speziellen pathologischen Anatomie und Histologie in 1925 [1]
Since the diagnosis of FSGS depends on obtaining renal histologic material, the observed incidence and demographics of FSGS in both children and adults depend on the population examined and on the indications used for renal biopsy
An estimation of the incidence and prevalence of FSGS in children is hampered by the fact that most children with nephrotic syndrome (NS), unlike the majority of adults, are not routinely subjected to renal biopsy
Summary
It is clear that there is still much to learn about the epidemiology of idiopathic FSGS. There are encouraging signs that the body of knowledge will be enhanced in coming years by the various registries and population-based studies currently underway
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