What is Focal Glomerular Sclerosis?

Focal glomerular sclerosis is a condition which leads to impaired kidney function. Over time, the kidneys may become so severely impaired that the patient requires a kidney transplant, although the chances of recurrence after transplant can be high. There are no clear risk factors for this condition, although people of African descent appear to be more likely to develop focal glomerular sclerosis, and people of all ages can develop focal glomerular sclerosis.

In people with focal glomerular sclerosis, some of the glomeruli, the functional units of the kidney, become scarred. The scarring leads to a decrease in kidney efficiency, which causes waste products to build up in the body. The composition of the patient's urine changes as well, with proteins from the blood leaking into the urine because the kidneys are not functioning properly. Eventually, total kidney failure can develop.

Signs of focal glomerular sclerosis can include edema, weight gain, decreased appetite, and foamy urine. A physical exam can reveal elevated blood pressure, and a doctor may recommend urinalysis and a kidney biopsy to learn more about what is going on inside the patient. When samples of kidney tissue are examined during biopsy, the sclerosis or hardening can be seen in some regions of the glomeruli.

The causes of this condition are unclear, although some people appear to inherit a tendency to develop focal glomerular sclerosis. Treatment is focused on controlling the symptoms. Steroid medications may be used to bring down inflammation and swelling, antibiotics can be prescribed in the event of infections, and the patient's diet may be adjusted to address the dysfunction in the kidneys. Transplantation of a new kidney may be recommended in some cases.

This condition is also known as focal nodular glomerulosclerosis or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. As with other kidney problems, it requires careful management. Once the kidneys start to function poorly, a cascading series of reactions and health problems can occur. Poor management of kidney damage can lead to other medical issues including cardiovascular problems.

People who have been diagnosed with focal glomerular sclerosis should ask their doctors about available treatment options and ways in which they can modify their diet or lifestyle to support kidney function. It is also important to be willing to commit to a long-term treatment plan which may require numerous doctor visits and tests to monitor kidney function. Patients may also benefit from consulting a specialist in an urban area who sees more patients with this condition and therefore has extensive experience with management and treatment.