GLOMERULAR DISEASE: IRAQI DATA 2020-2024

Background: Glomerular diseases represent a diverse group of renal pathologies with significant morbidity. Understanding their demographic distribution is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management. Aim: To assess the prevalence and patterns of glomerular diseases in Iraq over a five-year period (2020–2024) with respect to age, sex, and temporal trends. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1,377 patients who underwent renal biopsy and were diagnosed with various types of glomerular disease. Data were categorized and analyzed based on age, sex, and year of diagnosis. Histopathological patterns were classified according to standard diagnostic criteria. Results: Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was the most common diagnosis (28.54%), followed by Membranous Glomerulonephritis (21.79%), Minimal Change Disease (16.63%), and IgA Nephropathy (16.34%). IgA Nephropathy showed a significant male predominance (p=0.009) and an increasing trend over time (p=0.088). Minimal Change Disease was more frequent in younger patients (p<0.001), while Membranous GN increased with age (p<0.001). Lupus Nephritis was significantly more common in females (p=0.001). A statistically significant rise was noted in C3 Glomerulopathy (p=0.006) and Pauci-immune GN (p=0.012) in recent years. Several diseases, such as MPGN and monoclonal-related nephropathies, showed strong age associations, and the "Other" category of diagnoses significantly declined over time (p=0.028), indicating improved diagnostic specificity. Conclusion: The spectrum of glomerular diseases in Iraq shows significant age- and sex-based variation, with emerging trends in immune-complex and complement-mediated nephropathies. These findings underscore the need for improved diagnostic infrastructure, national registry development, and tailored clinical strategies to address evolving disease patterns.