[Nephrosclerosis: current status]

Nephrosclerosis is the most typical and widespread renal manifestation of hypertension and can be judged as the pathological hallmark of essential hypertension. Nephrosclerosis is an important and frequent cause of progressive renal disease, however, information in the literature on the risk of developing renal failure in the course of essential hypertension is sparse. Traditionally, nephrosclerosis was thought to result from glomerular ischemia. Alternatively, glomerular sclerosis in hypertension may result from glomerular hyperperfusion or hypertension. Studies in experimental models of renal disease have identified a promising intervention with either Ca antagonists or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Application of these therapies to patients with nephrosclerosis should await the results of careful clinical trials.