What Is Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)?
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a rare disease that damages the tiny blood vessels (glomeruli) inside the kidneys. As blood passes through the glomeruli, waste products are removed from the bloodstream.
FSGS causes scarring or hardening of the glomeruli, impairing their ability to filter waste from your blood. As a result, proteins leak from the kidneys into the urine or the bloodstream [1].
There are three types of FSGS [1]:
- Primary FSGS: This type of FSGS develops without a known underlying cause.
- Secondary FSGS: It develops as a complication of another condition, such as infection, medication reaction, or a health issue like diabetes or sickle cell disease.
- Genetic FSGS: If one or both of your parents have FSGS, you can develop genetic FSGS.
Symptoms of FSGS
You may not notice signs of FSGS right away, and some symptoms can only be detected with a routine test [2]. FSGS symptoms can include:
- High cholesterol
- Lower-than-average amounts of albumin in the blood
- Abnormally high levels of protein in the urine
- High blood pressure
If the condition has progressed and kidney function is severely compromised, you might notice these symptoms [2]:
- Swelling in the arms, legs, or face
- Sudden weight gain caused by extra fluids in your body
- Foamy urine due to excess protein
- Blood in the urine
Complications of FSGS
Without proper diagnosis and treatment, FSGS can gradually worsen and cause significant and permanent damage to the kidneys. Complications from FSGS can include [2].
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD): CKD involves the gradual loss of kidney function. Over time, your kidneys are unable to remove toxic waste products from your body. This can lead to eventual kidney failure.
- Kidney failure: When the kidneys lose 85% of their ability to function, it is considered kidney failure. The condition requires dialysis and a kidney transplant.
FSGS Management
There are treatments available for FSGS. Some people can go into complete remission from the condition. Treatments include [3].
- Blood pressure management: Blood pressure drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) can reduce protein in urine.
- Cholesterol level management: Elevated cholesterol levels can be a side effect of FSGS. Managing cholesterol can improve overall health.
- Diuretics: Certain types of medication flush excess salt and water from the body, improving blood pressure and reducing swelling.
- Immunosuppressants: In primary FSGS, medicines such as corticosteroids can blunt immune responses and prevent further damage to the kidneys.
People with FSGS can useurine protein test strips to monitor protein in their urine.
Home tests are a simple but effective way to screen for protein or blood in the urine. The results can tell you if your current treatment plan is working or if you need to call your doctor for further discussion.
Diagnox's Urinox-10 contains at-home urine test strips that provide fast, easy-to-read results in minutes without having to go to the doctor's office or lab. The tests are packaged individually for a longer shelf life. These protein in urine test strips can test for 10 different parameters, giving you an accurate view of your urinary health.
