Clinicopathological correlations of persistent asymptomatic proteinuria in children

36 patients with persistent asymptomatic proteinuria were studied over an average period of 2.9 years. All fulfilled the following criteria:persistent proteinuria, normal blood pressure, renal function and pyelogram, no previous nor family history of renal disease. Renal biopsy showed minimal change or diffuse proliferation of glomeruli. The disappearance of proteinuria correlated inversely with the degree of glomerular sclerosis. 12 of 14 children with minimal or no sclerosis lost their proteinuria. In contrast, in 8 of 11 patients with moderate sclerosis and in all 7 patients with marked sclerosis proteinuria persisted. Age over 16 years or heavy proteinuria with or without haematuria were indicative of marked glomerular sclerosis. The thickness of the glomerular basement increased with age. Impairment of renal function occurred in only 1 patient.