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Abstract

Polycythemia is a condition characterized by an abnormal increase in the total red blood cell mass and is classified into primary and secondary polycythemia. Secondary polycythemia occurs as a physiological response to tissue hypoxia or increased erythropoietin production, without intrinsic abnormalities in erythroid progenitor cells. This condition is rare, particularly when associated with nephrotic syndrome. This report aims to describe a case of secondary polycythemia associated with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). A 20-year-old man presented with generalized edema for five months prior to admission, accompanied by foamy urine. Physical examination revealed peripheral edema and minimal ascites. Laboratory investigations demonstrated massive proteinuria and elevated hemoglobin levels. Renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of FSGS, while bone marrow biopsy showed normocellular findings without evidence of malignancy or fibrosis. The patient was treated with methylprednisolone, ramipril, and simvastatin, and underwent four sessions of phlebotomy along with antiplatelet therapy. Following treatment, there was improvement in hemoglobin levels, proteinuria, and blood pressure control. Secondary polycythemia has been reported to be associated with various parenchymal kidney diseases, including FSGS. The proposed mechanisms include increased erythropoietin production due to renal ischemia or dysregulation of erythropoiesis feedback mechanisms. Phlebotomy is an important therapeutic intervention to prevent complications related to hyperviscosity and thromboembolism and has been shown to result in clinical improvement. This case illustrates a rare occurrence of secondary polycythemia in a patient with nephrotic syndrome due to FSGS. Accurate diagnosis and comprehensive management, including phlebotomy, can lead to meaningful clinical improvement. This report is expected to contribute to the literature on the diagnosis and management of secondary polycythemia in kidney disease.

Bahasa Abstract

Polisitemia merupakan kondisi peningkatan jumlah total sel darah merah yang abnormal dan dibedakan menjadi polisitemia primer dan sekunder. Polisitemia sekunder terjadi akibat respons fisiologis terhadap hipoksia jaringan atau peningkatan produksi eritropoietin, tanpa kelainan faktor intrinsik pada progenitor sel eritroid. Kondisi ini jarang ditemukan, terutama bila berhubungan dengan sindrom nefrotik. Laporan ini bertujuan untuk mengulas kasus polisitemia sekunder yang berasosiasi dengan focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Seorang laki-laki berusia 20 tahun datang dengan keluhan edema anasarka sejak lima bulan sebelum masuk rumah sakit disertai urin berbusa. Pemeriksaan fisik menunjukkan edema perifer dan asites minimal. Pemeriksaan laboratorium menunjukkan proteinuria masif dan peningkatan kadar hemoglobin. Biopsi ginjal mengkonfirmasi diagnosis FSGS, sedangkan biopsi sumsum tulang menunjukkan gambaran normoseluler tanpa tanda keganasan atau fibrosis. Pasien mendapat terapi metilprednisolon, ramipril, dan simvastatin, serta menjalani flebotomi sebanyak empat kali dan terapi antiplatelet. Setelah dilakukan terapi, terjadi perbaikan kadar hemoglobin, proteinuria, dan tekanan darah yang terkontrol. Polisitemia sekunder dilaporkan memiliki hubungan dengan berbagai penyakit ginjal parenkim, termasuk FSGS. Mekanisme yang diduga meliputi peningkatan produksi eritropoietin akibat iskemia ginjal atau gangguan regulasi umpan balik eritropoiesis. Flebotomi merupakan tata laksana penting untuk mencegah komplikasi hiperviskositas dan tromboemboli, serta terbukti memberikan perbaikan klinis. Kasus ini menggambarkan polisitemia sekunder yang jarang terjadi pada pasien dengan sindrom nefrotik akibat FSGS. Diagnosis yang tepat dan tata laksana komprehensif, termasuk flebotomi, dapat memberikan perbaikan klinis yang bermakna. Laporan ini diharapkan dapat menambah literatur terkait diagnosis dan tata laksana polisitemia sekunder pada penyakit ginjal.

Kata Kunci: focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, polositemia sekunder, sindrom nefrotik

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