What is the cause of fsgs

It does not typically respond to therapy. The scarring quickly affects the entire filter, causing it to collapse. Most patients that are diagnosed with the Collapsing variant will require dialysis or a kidney transplant within one to two years despite treatment. This variant was previously thought only to effect people with HIV. It is now found in increasing numbers of HIV-negative patients. Collapsing FSGS has also been associated certain drugs, such as pamidronate.

The cellular variant implies a slightly different type of scarring. The problem is an overabundance of cells that make up the filter itself. As these cells build up, the blood vessels that make up the filter narrow and eventually close off completely. This variant can only be diagnosed if none of the above variants are seen on the biopsy.

This form is generally less severe than the collapsing form. But having a diagnosis of Classic FSGS does not indicate how severe the disease will be, or how it will respond to treatment. The symptoms of the Nephrotic Syndrome always include-. FSGS is not an easy disease to treat. Anyone with this disease should be seen regularly by a kidney specialist, also called a nephrologist. If it is associated with any of the illnesses mentioned above, treating that particular illness becomes a priority.

It is also important for someone with either primary OR secondary FSGS to be on medication that reduces the amount of protein in the urine.

If urine protein levels are high, the complications of the Nephrotic Syndrome should also be considered. Their physicians should always remember their tendency to form clots. Finally, every patient with FSGS should have their kidney function monitored regularly with both blood and urine studies.

As kidney function declines, certain other interventions may become necessary. Your nephrologist can tell you how often your labs need to be checked and what to expect if your kidney function begins to decline.

In addition to the above, many different types of drugs that suppress the immune system are also being used to treat FSGS. The most common of these are steroids. Unfortunately, all of these drugs have significant side effects. Their use must be considered on a patient-by-patient basis. If not treated, most patients with FSGS will eventually develop complete renal failure and require dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.

Even with treatment, many patients will still eventually require dialysis. How long this will take varies widely years , and is difficult to predict. The appearance of your kidney biopsy under the microscope may give your doctor some idea of the time frame. Specific forms of FSGS have been associated with different rates of progression and responsiveness to therapy. Unfortunately, many patients diagnosed with FSGS will eventually progress to kidney failure. Kidney transplant is a treatment option for these patients.

Read more general information about kidney transplant here. There are several risk factors that put patients at higher risk of recurrence of FSGS. They are:. Usually a return of FSGS in the transplant occurs very soon after the surgery. The FSGS can return within hours to days. Most episodes will be within the first year after transplant.

The way that FSGS causes damage to the transplanted kidney is not entirely clear. There is some evidence that it may be due to a substance present in the blood. It has been 20 years since Eileen received a kidney from her sister, Ruth. Read her story and learn how she is doing today. Access myPennMedicine For Patients and Visitors. Patient Information. Conditions Treated A-Z. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.

Definition Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is scar tissue in the filtering unit of the kidney. Alternative Names Segmental glomerulosclerosis; Focal sclerosis with hyalinosis Causes The cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is often unknown. Known causes include: Drugs such as heroin, bisphosphonates, anabolic steroids Infection Inherited genetic problems Obesity Reflux nephropathy a condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidney Sickle cell disease Some medicines Symptoms Symptoms may include: Foamy urine from excess protein in the urine Poor appetite Swelling, called generalized edema, from fluids held in the body Weight gain Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam.

Tests may include: Kidney biopsy Kidney function tests blood and urine Urinalysis Urine microscopy Urine protein Treatment Treatments may include: Medicines to reduce the body's inflammatory response. Medicines to lower blood pressure. Some of these medicines also help reduce the amount of protein that spills into the urine. Medicines to get rid of excess fluid diuretic or "water pill". Low sodium diet to reduce swelling and lower blood pressure. These treatments may include: Antibiotics to control infections Fluid restriction Low-fat diet Low- or moderate-protein diet Vitamin D supplements Dialysis Kidney transplant Outlook Prognosis A large portion of people with focal or segmental glomerulosclerosis will develop chronic kidney failure.

Possible Complications Complications may include: Chronic kidney failure End-stage kidney disease Infection Malnutrition Nephrotic syndrome When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if you develop symptoms of this condition, especially if there is: Fever Pain with urination Decreased urine output Prevention No prevention is known.

Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Worried about your kidneys? Take our quick kidney healthcheck. The need for more research In the last few years, a lot of progress has been made on identifying the genetic mutations that cause inherited FSGS.

Support our research. Join our research network Join our Kidney Voices for Research network and get involved in the latest research into the causes and treatments of kidney disease. More about Kidney Voices. Patient stories. Our life-saving research is only possible with your support. Save lives. Donate now. This website uses cookies to improve your experience.

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