Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

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Male urinary system

Segmental glomerulosclerosis; Focal sclerosis with hyalinosis

The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms associated with nephrotic syndrome and chronic renal failure. Treatment may be chronic and lifelong.

Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications may be prescribed to reduce the immune response.

Medicines to treat high blood pressure, especially a group of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and diuretics may help control symptoms such as high blood pressure and edema. Antibiotics may be needed to control infections.

Your doctor may treat high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are also common with this disorder, to reduce the development of atherosclerosis. Reducing cholesterol and saturated fats in the diet may be of only limited benefit as the high levels seen in this condition seem to result from overproduction of cholesterol and triglycerides by the liver rather than the excessive intake of fats. Medicines to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides may be recommended.

In most cases, a moderate-protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day) is usually recommended. In cases where renal failure is present, a low-protein diet may be preferred.

Sodium (salt) in the diet and fluids may be restricted to help control swelling (see also renal disease - diet ). Vitamin D may need to be supplemented if nephrotic syndrome is chronic and unresponsive to therapy.

Dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary to control renal failure.

Over 50% of people with focal or segmental glomerulosclerosis develop chronic renal failure within 10 years.

• Chronic renal failure
• End-stage renal disease
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Malnutrition
• Infections

Call your doctor if you or someone you know have the symptoms suggestive of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

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

Review Date: 06/13/2005
Reviewed By: Debbie Cohen, M.D., Renal and Electrolyte Division, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.