Description

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a disease in which scar tissue develops in the glomeruli, the tiny parts of the kidneys that filter waste from the blood. FSGS can be caused by a variety of conditions.

The FSGS is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, which can only be treated with dialysis or a kidney transplant. Treatment options for FSGS depend on the type of.

Types of FSGS, which include:

  • PrimaryFSGS. Many people diagnosed with FSGS have no known cause for your condition. This is called primary (idiopathic) FSGS .
  • SecondaryFSGS. Several factors, such as infection, drug toxicity, diseases such as diabetes or sickle cell disease, obesity, and even other kidney diseases can cause secondary FSGS . The control or treatment of the underlying cause, often slow, ongoing damage to the kidneys and may lead to the improvement of kidney function over time.
  • GeneticFSGS. This is a rare form of FSGS caused by genetic changes. Also called familial FSGS . It is suspected when several members of a family show signs of FSGS . Familial FSGS may also occur when none of the parents has the disease, but every one carries a copy of an altered gene that can be transmitted to the next generation.
  • UnknownFSGS. In some cases, the underlying cause of FSGS cannot be determined despite the evaluation of clinical symptoms and extensive testing.

Symptoms

The symptoms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) may include:

  • Swelling, called edema in the legs and ankles, around the eyes and other parts of the body.
  • The increase of weight of the fluid accumulation.
  • Foamy urine of the protein buildup, called proteinuria.

When to see a doctor

Consult a health care professional if you have any of the symptoms of FSGS .

Causes

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) may be caused by a variety of conditions, such as diabetes, sickle cell disease, other kidney diseases, and obesity. Infections and the harm of illicit drugs, medications, or toxins can also cause. The changes in the genes are passed through families, so-called inherited gene changes, can cause a rare form of FSGS . Sometimes there is no known cause.

Risk factors

Factors that may increase the risk of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which include:

  • The medical conditions that can cause damage to the kidneys. Certain diseases and conditions increase the risk of developing FSGS . These include diabetes, lupus, obesity, and other diseases of the kidney.
  • Certain infections. Infections that increase the risk of FSGS, which include HIV and hepatitis C.
  • The changes in the genes. Certain genes are passed through families may increase the risk of FSGS .

Complications

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) can lead to other health problems, also called complications, including:

  • The nephrotic syndrome. This condition of the kidneys causes the body to pass the excess protein in the urine. The nephrotic syndrome increases the risk of other health conditions, such as blood clots and high blood pressure.
  • The renal failure. Damage to the kidneys that can't be fixed, causes the kidneys to stop working. The only treatment for kidney failure are dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Diagnosis

So that it is possible to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), your healthcare provider reviews your medical history and orders lab tests to see how well your kidneys are working. Tests may include:

  • Urine tests. These include a 24-hour urine collection to measure the amount of protein and other substances in the urine.
  • Blood tests. A blood test called a glomerular filtration rate measures how well the kidneys are getting rid of waste from the body.
  • Kidney images. These tests are used to display the kidney shape and size. Could include ultrasound and computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Nuclear medicine studies can also be used.
  • The renal biopsy. A biopsy usually involves the placement of a needle through the skin to take a small sample of the kidneys. The results of the biopsy can confirm a diagnosis of FSGS .

Treatment

The treatment for focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) depends on the type and the cause.

Drugs

Depending on the symptoms, the medications for the treatment of FSGS may include:

  • An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or a blocker of the angiotensin II receptor (ARB). These can lower blood pressure and reduce protein in the urine.
  • Medications to lower cholesterol levels. People with FSGS often have high cholesterol.
  • Medicines to help the body get rid of salt and water, called diuretics. These can improve blood pressure and inflammation.
  • Medications to reduce the immune response of the body. For GSF primary , these drugs can stop the immune system from damage to the kidneys. These medications include corticosteroids. They can have serious side effects, so they are used with caution.

The FSGS is a disease that can be returned. Due to the formation of scarring in the glomeruli could be for life, you need to follow up with your health care team is to see how well your kidneys are working.

For people who have kidney failure, treatments include dialysis and renal transplantation.

Lifestyle and home remedies

The following lifestyle changes can help keep the kidneys healthy:

  • Do not use medications that can damage your kidneys. These include some of the pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Nsaids). NSAIDS can be obtained without a prescription include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
  • Eat a healthy diet. To protect your kidneys and lower your blood pressure, reduce the salt and protein.
  • Do not smoke. If you need help to stop smoking, talk with a member of the health team.
  • Stay at a healthy weight. Lose weight if overweight.
  • Be active on most days. Being active is good for your health. Ask your health care team what types of exercise and the amount of exercise that you can do.

Preparing for your appointment

You can start by seeing your primary healthcare professional. Or you may be referred to a specialist in diseases of the kidneys, called a nephrologist.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do before the appointment, as I do not drink or eat before you undergo certain tests. This is called fasting.

Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms , including any that seem unrelated to the reason of his appointment, and when they began.
  • Key personal information , including major stresses, recent life changes and family medical history.
  • All medications, vitamins or supplements that you take, including over-dose.
  • Questions to ask your health care team.

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you.

For the focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), some basic questions to ask your health care professional include:

  • What is likely causing my symptoms?
  • What are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • What tests do I need?
  • Is my condition likely to disappear or to be of long duration?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • There are restrictions that must be followed?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites that you think might be useful?

Be sure to ask all the questions that you have.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask you questions, such as:

  • Do your symptoms come and go or do you have all the time?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Symptoms and treatment of Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)