Morphometric analysis of the glomerular capillary area—a comparison of minimal change nephrotic syndrome, focal glomerular sclerosis, and pre‐eclampsia

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Abstract
A morphometric analysis was performed to compare the capillary area in non‐sclerotic glomeruli in focal glomerular sclerosis (FGS), pre‐eclampsia with focal sclerotic change of the glomeruli, and minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). The mean and standard deviation of the capillary area was greater in FGS than in pre‐eclampsia and MCNS. Tubulo‐interstitial lesions, such as tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and lymphocytic infiltration, were more severe in FGS than in pre‐eclampsia. The presence of tubulo‐interstitial changes including tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis with lymphocytic infiltration is thought to be an important prognostic factor in pre‐eclampsia as well as in FGS. Unequal dilatation of the glomerular capillaries in non‐sclerotic glomeruli may be harmful to the glomeruli and may lead to the development of glomerular sclerosis.