What is the most common cause of Nephrotic Syndrome in adults?

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is recognized as the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. This condition is characterized by scarring in certain segments of the glomeruli, which are the filtering units within the kidneys. The structural damage leads to increased protein leakage into the urine, resulting in the hallmark symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, such as significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema.

In the context of nephrotic syndrome, FSGS can be associated with various factors, including obesity, hypertension, and certain genetic predispositions. Unlike other conditions, such as minimal change disease—which occurs more frequently in children—FSGS presents with more severe clinical features and may not always respond as well to corticosteroid therapy.

While diabetic nephropathy and lupus nephritis can also lead to nephrotic syndrome, FSGS surpasses them in prevalence among the adult population. Diabetic nephropathy typically exhibits mixed glomerular pathology and may present with nephrotic features as kidney failure progresses, while lupus nephritis can vary significantly in presentation and may not directly lead to nephrotic syndrome.

Understanding the predominant role of FSGS in adult nephrotic syndrome provides valuable insights