Classification
Depending on the cause it is broadly classified as:
- Primary, when no underlying cause is found; usually presents as nephrotic syndrome
- Secondary, when an underlying cause is identified; usually presents with kidney failure and proteinuria. This is actually a heterogeneous group including numerous causes such as
- Infections such as HIV (known as HIV-Associated Nephropathy)
- Toxins and drugs such as heroin and pamidronate
- Familial forms
- Secondary to nephron loss and hyperfiltration, such as with chronic pyelonephritis and reflux, morbid obesity, diabetes mellitus
There are many other classification schemes also.
Read more about this topic: Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis