Development of a focal segmental glomerulosclerosis after pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia: case report and review of literature

The global incidence of preeclampsia has been estimated at 3–5% of all pregnancies. It is the main cause of morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and their fetuses worldwide. In preeclampsia, the incorporation of cytotrofoblast into the spiral arteries is incomplete. Changed placenta releases into the mother’s circulation soluble VEGF receptor-1 (sFlt-1) which causes many disorders including kidney damage. VEGF is produced by glomerular podocytes and is necessary for their normal function. The damage of podocytes leads to a glomerulosclerosis development. The damage of the critical number of podocytes contributes to the development of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis – kind of glomerulonephritis. We present a case of woman who as a result of preeclampsia developed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis manifested as nephritic syndrome. We describe a mechanism for the development of such changes in glomeruli in the course of preeclampsia.