Low glomerular density is a risk factor for progression in idiopathic membranous nephropathy

The adverse histological features predicting a progressive loss of renal function in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN), before the establishment of impaired renal function with advanced glomerulosclerosis and/or interstitial fibrosis, are still poorly understood. The present study examined the relationship between the glomerular density (GD; non-sclerotic glomerular number/renal cortical area of biopsy) and the renal prognosis in IMN patients, especially in those without any apparent renal dysfunction at the time of diagnosis.