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INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS
What is FSGS?Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is scarring in scattered regions of the kidney, typically limited to one part of the glomerulus and to a small section of glomeruli in the affected region. Currently FSGS has no known direct cause, though there are a few theories. Obesity and family history are thought to be contributing factors. Proteinuria is the most common symptom of FSGS. Since proteinuria is associated with several other kidney conditions, biopsies are used to confirm the presence of glomerular scarring. Finding the affected tissue is a matter of chance, especially early in the disease process when lesions may be scattered. Because of this, confirming a diagnosis of FSGS may require repeat kidney biopsies. Identifying FSGS is also difficult because diseases such as diabetes or an immune response to infection must be eliminated as causes as well. Since FSGS is of unknown cause, it is difficult to treat. No universal remedy has been found, and most patients with FSGS progress to ESRD over 5 to 20 years. Some patients with an aggressive form of FSGS reach ESRD in 2 to 3 years. Treatments involving steroids or other immunosuppressive drugs appear to help some patients by decreasing proteinuria and improving kidney function. But these treatments are beneficial to only a minority of those in whom they are tried, and some patients experience even poorer kidney function as a result. Source: NIH/NIDDK National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) website For more information: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/glomerular/index.htm
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