Ultrasonography showing hyperechogenicity of the renal cortex, visualized in the image as brighter than the liver. Diagnosis is based on the measurement of abnormal levels of urinary albumin in a<unk>  coupled with exclusion of other causes of albuminuria. Albumin measurements are defined as follows: :::::::::::* Normal albuminuria: urinary albumin excretion Stage eGFR level(mL/min/1.73 m2) Stage 1 ≥ 90 Stage 2 60–89 Stage 3 30–59 Stage 4 15–29 Stage 5 2. On biopsy, the following classification has been suggested by Tervaert et al.: +Histopathologic staging Class Description and criteria I Mild or nonspecific changes on light microscopy and conformed GBMthickening proven by electron microscopy: GBM > 395 nm (female), GBM > 430 nm (male). IIa * Mild mesangial expansion in >25% of the observed mesangium. * Area of mesangial proliferation 25% of the observed mesangium. * Area of mesangial proliferation 50% of glomeruli. Biomarkers Although albuminuria is the most frequently used marker of<unk> , it has a limited sensitivity as many patients with<unk>  experience GFR loss and glomerulosclerosis without immediate elevation in albuminuria. Many novel markers are currently being studied that potentially detect<unk>  at earlier stages and identify progression risk. Cystatin C is a protein that is freely filtered in the glomeruli before it is reabsorbed and catabolized in the renal tubular cells. Its serum level is independent of muscle mass, making more accurate at estimating GFR than creatinine serum levels.
Diabetic nephropathy
Analgesic nephropathy
IgA nephropathy
Benign nephrosclerosis
Malarial nephropathy
Phosphate nephropathy
Reflux nephropathy
Sickle cell nephropathy