[Mechanisms of progression of glomerular sclerosis in chronic renal diseases in man]

The available data indicate that in chronic renal failure (CRF) loss of renal function usually progresses at a constant rate toward end-stage renal disease. Although immunological events might be responsible for initiating most glomerular diseases, certain clinical and experimental observations suggest that the rate of progression of these diseases is influenced by several non immunological factors. These factors include systemic hypertension, proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, high protein intake, and probably conditions leading to glomerular hypertrophy. Interventions designed to minimize the potential contribution of these factors to the progression of renal insufficiency may halt or slow the loss of function at early and late stages of CRF.