The epidemiology of primary FSGS including cluster analysis over a 20-year period

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one of the leading causes of nephrotic syndrome in adults. This epidemiological study describes a renal centre’s 20-year experience of primary FSGS. Methods Patients were identified with a diagnosis of primary FSGS after exclusion of known secondary causes. In this retrospective observational study, data was collected for baseline demographics, immunosuppression and outcomes. A two-step cluster analysis was used to identify natural groupings within the dataset. Results The total cohort was made up of 87 patients. Those who received immunosuppression had lower median serum albumin than those who did not- 23g/L vs 40g/L (p 30g/L. This group may still have immune mediated disease and thus could potentially benefit from immunosuppression. Trial registration This study protocol was reviewed and approved by the ‘Research and Innovation committee of the Northern Care Alliance NHS Group’, study approval number (Ref: ID 22HIP54).

Keywords

• Cluster analysis
• Epidemiology
• FSGS
• Immunosuppression