#2862 Genetics and electron microscopy: complementary tools for management of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis?
Authors: Fenoglio Roberta , Cozzi Martina , Lalloni Stefania , Santarsiere Rita , Caruso Nunziante , Guarino Annalisa , Roccatello Dario 
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims

Focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS) defines a histologic lesion that represents a pattern of injury associated to different pathologic conditions affecting both children and adults. It is classified into primary forms, presumably immune-mediated, secondary forms, determined by a maladaptive response to different conditions, genetic and undetermined forms. According to Mayo Clinic classification, primary and secondary forms can de differentiated using electron microscopy (EM), with a podocytes foot process effacement (FPE) ≥80% identifying primary forms. Better understanding the role of Genetics in FSGS and response to treatment in different forms is of vital importance in this rare and multifaceted condition. We analyzed a discrete cohort of patients with FSGS examined both with EM and genetic testing (GT). Main aims of our study were: 1) assessment of GT in primary and secondary forms; 2) analysis of response to therapy according to histologic and genetic classification.

Method

This is a retrospective observational study on patients that received a histological diagnosis of FSGS, including EM, and underwent NGS genetic testing from January 2020 to June 2023. Primary and secondary forms of FSGS were distinguished by degree of pedicle fusion at EM, according to Mayo Clinic classification. Clinical, laboratory, genetic data and used therapies were recorded. Complete response (CR) to therapy was defined as a reduction of proteinuria to 0.3 g/day, with normalization of albuminemia. Partial response (PR) was defined as halving proteinuria into a sub-nephrotic range and increasing albuminemia up to 3.5 g/dL. Absent response was defined as a persisting nephrotic range proteinuria.

Results

In the study period, 33 patients receiving a histologic diagnosis of FSGS with EM examination underwent NGS testing. Of these, 25 had available genetic results and were included. Ten patients (40%) were females, 15 (60%) were males; mean age was 40.8 years (SD ±14.5); 20 (80%) were Caucasian, 4 (16%) Black, 1 (4%) Asian. Based on EM, 11 (44%) were classified as primary forms, 14 (56%) as secondary forms. Twelve (48%) patients presented with nephrotic syndrome. Of these, 10 had a primary form. Seven (28%) had nephrotic-range proteinuria without hypoalbuminemia, 6 (24%) had subnephrotic range proteinuria. Six (54.5%) of the primary forms and 8 (57.1%) of the secondary forms had a positive genetic testing (p = 0.78). Among secondary forms, through GT, one diagnosis of Fabry disease and one of Tuberous Sclerosis were made in patients without clear systemic symptoms. Fabry disease was confirmed by presence of zebra bodies at EM.

All primary forms received immunosuppressive therapies, all being rituximab-based regimens; all secondary forms received support therapy. Nine (81.1%) primary forms and 9 (64.3%) secondary forms had at least a PR to treatment (4 CR in primary group and 1 CR in secondary group) (p = 0.33).

Among primary forms, 5 of 6 patients (83%) with a positive GT had at least a PR with a strong immunosuppressive therapy. In secondary forms group 4 of 8 patients (50%) had at least PR with offered support therapy. Fabry and Tuberous Sclerosis were offered specific treatments with benefit.

Conclusion

Percentage of positive GT did not differ in primary and secondary forms of FSGS as defined by Mayo Clinic classification. Thus a positive GT should not be considered a unique feature of secondary forms. GT was critical for an unexpected diagnosis of systemic hereditary diseases, thus enabling adequate target therapies. We believe GT should be offered to all patients with FSGS. In primary FSGS, defined according to EM, more than 80% of patients had at least a PR following immunosuppressive therapy, even in patients with positive GT. In conclusion, as clinical presentation and light microscopy are not sufficient for an accurate diagnosis, combining EM and GT is of utmost importance in proper classification and management of FSGS.