The aim of this study is to investigate histopathologically the incipient lesions of the insidious glomerular diseases. Under the care of our division of pediatric nephrology, there are about 300 children with urinary abnormalities pointed out initially by the routine urinary screening. Renal biopsied from 87 patients among them were studied with light and electron microscopy and immunofluorescent techniques. Their histological classification is shown in the table. It is noteworthy that many patients with potentially progressive renal disease such as crescentic GN, MPGN, MN, FGS, IgA Nephropathy, Alport's synd. and so on were found in asymptomatic children. Since 1973, the annual urinary screening at school has been carried out under government throughout Japan. Although it is difficult to decide whether medical management is required for asymptomatic children or not, the histological findings may make it possible to give pertinent guidance for planning appropriate therapeutic program in early stages of various types of glomerular diseases respectively. In addition, early detection of so-called incurable renal disease in children may offer better understanding of its histopathological change.
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