[Principles of clinical morphology in nephrology]

Causes of the numerous changes found in kidney biopsy specimens and the absence of their commonly accepted classification are revealed. Principles of clinical morphology underlying nephrology have been formulated which emphasize the need to study the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of all renal structures, maintenance of the nosological independence of primary glomerulonephritis whose diagnosis must be supplemented by the morphological characteristics of kidney biopsy specimens. Kidney affection in different diseases should be designated by the term "nephropathy" specifying the causative factor and the character of affection of renal structures.