Primary glomerular diseases and pregnancy

Backround: Primary glomerular diseases (PGD) may represent wide spectrum of clinical presentations and pathological findings depending on the histopathological type and the severity/stage of the disease. The severity of PGD-related nephrotic syndrome (NS) predicts pregnancy outcome. The aim of the study to assess whether PGD has any effect on pregnancy and fetal outcome, as well as the effect of pregnancy on PGD. Materials and Methods: Retrospectively, ten pregnant women (11 pregnancies) with PGDs at Hacettepe University were investigated in terms of their pregnancy outcomes. The histopathological diagnosis was focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), FSGS superimposed on immunglobulin A (IgA)nephropathy, membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN), and minimal change disease (MCD). Results: Nearly all pregnancies were complicated by nephrotic "signs and symptoms" and NS to a certain extend (mild-moderate to severe forms) and all cases were delivered by cesarean section. Eight cases (72.7 %) were complicated with IUGR, fetal distress and preterm delivery. Conclusion: In this case series, the authors have demonstrated that PGD has an adverse impact on perinatal outcome.