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Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Definition

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is scar tissue that forms in areas of the kidney that filter certain things out of the body. These areas are called glomeruli. They help the body get rid of harmful or unnecessary substances. Each kidney has thousands of glomeruli.

"Focal" means that some of the glomeruli become scarred, while others remain normal. "Segmental" means that only part of an individual glomerulus is damaged.

Alternative Names

Segmental glomerulosclerosis; Focal sclerosis with hyalinosis

Causes

The cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is usually unknown. A small number of cases result from reflux nephropathy. The condition affects both children and adults. Males are affected slightly more often than females, and it also occurs more frequently in African-Americans.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis causes about 10 - 15% of all cases of nephrotic syndrome.

Symptoms

  • Foamy urine
  • Swelling of the body, called generalized edema, from retained fluids
  • Weight gain
  • Poor appetite

Exams and Tests

There are no strong clues to the diagnosis on physical examination, other than evidence of edema and elevated blood pressure. Signs of kidney renal failure and associated fluid overload may develop as the illness gets worse.

Tests may include:

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms associated with nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney failure.

See also:

In general, treatments may include:

  • Low or moderate protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day)
  • Low fat diet
  • Salt-free diet
  • Fluid restriction
  • Powerful anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce the immune response
  • Medicines to treat high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and high triglyceride levels
  • Antibiotics to control infections
  • Vitamin D supplementation
  • Dialysis
  • Kidney transplantation

See also: Kidney disease - diet

Outlook (Prognosis)

Over half of all persons with focal or segmental glomerulosclerosis develop chronic kidney failure within 10 years.

Possible Complications

When to Contact a Medical Professional

You should call your doctor if symptoms develop, especially if there is fever, pain with urination, or decreased urine output.

Prevention

No prevention is known.

Review Date: 5/15/2007
Reviewed By: Robert Mushnick, MD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nephrology, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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