Helping FSGS Patients Avoid Developing Renal Failure

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or FSGS is a disease that causes urinary loss of protein and eventual scarring of the glomerular filters of the kidney. The terms focal and segmental refers to the pattern of damage in the kidney as seen under a microscope. Focal means that some of the glomeruli are scarred while others are normal. Segmental means that only a part of an individual glomerulus is damaged.

Some treatment for FSGS is used to control the symptoms associated with the disease as well as slow down the progression of the disease. Diuretics (“water pills”) are used to help rid the body of excess salt which causes the swelling (edema). Other medications are used to help control the blood pressure, particularly a group of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). These same medications can help decrease the amount of protein that is lost by the kidney. Other drugs are often used to help reduce high blood cholesterol. In most cases, a moderate protein diet is usually recommended.

There are several treatments for FSGS available. Steroids are often used initially for several months and up to 50% of individuals will improve with this medication. Other immunosuppression drugs may be used in addition to or instead of the steroids. These include a transplant medication, cyclosporine (and a related medication called tacrolimus) and a chemotherapy agent, cyclophosphamide. Some have recently tried a different type of immunosuppressant called mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Each of these treatments have different side effects associated with them which should be discussed with the nephrologist. All can increase the risk of infections and this too must be discussed with the physicians caring for FSGS patients.

These western medicines can really help relieve some symptoms of FSGS, while for a group of FSGS patients, they don’t respond to these medicines well, in that case, they have a high risk for Renal Failure. Then how can we help this group of FSGS patients avoid Renal Failure? How about the FSGS Treatment in China? We will be here providing you more information about FSGS and dealing with your follow-up questions.