Proteinuria in benign nephrosclerosis

Benign nephrosclerosis seldom is associated with significant proteinuria or reduced renal function. This study demonstrated that, despite the finding of benign nephrosclerosis on a renal biopsy specimen, concomitant proteinuria is predictive of a poor prognosis. Twelve patients, ranging in age from 24 to 59 years, with hypertension, proteinuria (greater than 1 g/d), and findings of benign nephrosclerosis on renal biopsy specimens were studied retrospectively. In three of these patients, the hypertension and proteinuria were diagnosed during pregnancy. Follow-up was possible in 11 patients. Nine patients became nephrotic in the course of their disease. Two patients had endstage renal disease and required maintenance dialysis treatment. Seven patients had decreased renal function as shown by the increase in serum creatinine levels. Thus, the combination of hypertension, proteinuria (greater than 1 g/d), and benign nephrosclerosis may be indicative of a progressive condition with a high percentage of patients having renal failure.