Outcomes of Steroid Treatment in Patients with Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of steroid treatment in patients with primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Materials and Methods: The medical files of the patients with primary FSGS who received steroid treatment between September 2005 and September 2007 in our nephrology clinic for at least six months were retrospectively evaluated. At the end of the six-month period, the patients were classified as having complete remission (proteinuria lower than 500 mg/day), partial remission (proteinuria between 500 mg-3.5 g/day without elevation of serum creatinine by 30%) or as nonresponsive to treatment. Results: During the study period, a total of 11 patients (8 male, 3 female; mean age 29 +/- 7 years) were diagnosed with primary FSGS and received steroid treatment. At the end of the six-month period, five patients (46%) were in complete remission, four patients (36%) were in partial remission, two patients (18%) were non-responsive to therapy. Conclusion: Steroid treatment is well tolerable and may obtain a favorable renal outcome in patients with FSGS in the early period of treatment.