Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a rare disease that attacks the
kidney’s filtering system (glomeruli) causing serious scarring. FSGS is one of
the causes of a serious condition known as Nephrotic Syndrome.
How is FSGS diagnosed?
FSGS is diagnosed with renal biopsy (when doctors examine a tiny portion of
the kidney tissue), however, because only some sections of the glomeruli are
affected, the biopsy can sometimes be inconclusive.
What causes FSGS?
FSGS is “idiopathic,” which means it arises without a known cause, so
researchers are actively trying to learn more.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Early stages of glomerulosclerosis may not cause any symptoms.
Your doctor may suspect kidney disease because you develop high blood
pressure or show protein in your urine.
If very large amounts of protein are lost in the urine, swelling of the
ankles and eyelids may occur, because the body retains water (edema). This may
also cause rapid weight gain and a make high blood pressure harder to
control.
If the condition is advanced, the symptoms may be like those of kidney
failure. People report fatigue, a poor appetite, headache, itchy skin, shortness
of breath and/or nausea.
How are focal glomerulosclerosis and FSGS treated?
Treatments for FSGS include corticosteroids (often called “steroids”) and
other immunosuppressive drugs (such as cyclosporine). These medications are used
to decrease proteinuria and improve kidney function. Urine is tested for protein
frequently during treatment, because having less urinary protein is a sign that
the treatment is working.
Another important part of treatment is to control blood pressure and blood
cholesterol levels, factors that add to the risk of complications from kidney
disease. Certain blood pressure medicines, called ACE (angiotensin converting
enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers), are used to reduce
the protein loss and blood pressure. Diuretics are medicines that help the body
get rid of excess fluid and swelling. These can be used to lower your blood
pressure too.
Some diet changes may be needed, such as reducing salt and protein in your
food choices to lighten the load of wastes on the kidneys.
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