Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis – Symptoms and Causes

Overview

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a kidney condition where scarring occurs on the glomeruli, which are tiny filtering units in the kidneys. This scarring disrupts normal kidney function and can eventually lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplantation.

Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential for preserving kidney function and preventing disease progression.

Signs and Problems

When the kidney gets sick with a condition called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), it stops working right. This causes changes in your body that you can see and feel.

• Swelling in the legs, ankles, and around the eyes
• Weight increase from extra fluid in the body
• Foamy or bubbly urine because of protein leaking into it

When You Should Talk To a Healthcare Provider

If you notice any of these problems, especially swelling or foamy urine, make an appointment with your doctor right away. Don’t wait until symptoms get worse, as early treatment works best.

Causes

FSGS can arise from a variety of factors, and in some cases, no clear cause is found.

FSGS can be categorized into four main types:

• Primary FSGS: This type has no identifiable cause and is also called idiopathic FSGS. Doctors diagnose this when they cannot find any underlying condition triggering the disease.
• Secondary FSGS: This form develops as a result of:
  • Infections
  • Medication toxicity
  • Existing health conditions (diabetes, sickle cell disease)
  • Obesity
  • Other kidney diseases
• Genetic FSGS: Also known as familial FSGS, this rare type is caused by genetic mutations. This type may be suspected when multiple family members develop the condition. It can occur even when neither parent has FSGS but both carry an altered gene.
• Unknown FSGS: Despite thorough clinical evaluation and testing, some cases of FSGS remain without a clear cause.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase a person’s chance of developing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS):

Health Conditions

• Diabetes
• Lupus
• Obesity
• Other kidney diseases

Infections

• HIV
• Hepatitis C

Genetic Factors

Family history plays a role in FSGS risk. Some people inherit gene changes that make them more likely to develop this kidney condition.

Complications

FSGS can lead to several serious health issues. These problems often require careful monitoring and treatment.

Nephrotic Syndrome

This condition occurs when the kidneys leak too much protein into the urine. People with nephrotic syndrome face higher risks of:

• Blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Fluid retention

Progressive Kidney Damage

Without effective treatment, FSGS may cause permanent kidney damage that worsens over time. This can eventually lead to complete kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease.

When kidneys fail, patients typically need either:

• Regular dialysis treatments
• Kidney transplantation