How does FSGS affect the kidneys? 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It leads to scarring, or sclerosis, in the kidneys. FSGS only occurs in small sections of each glomerulus, or filter, in the early stages, when it damages just a few of the glomeruli. As the condition advances, it can cause serious health complications, such as kidney failure. This article explores the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment of FSGS. It also answers some common questions about FSGS. FSGS symptoms Share on Pinterestsutteerug/Getty ImagesA person may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of FSGS. As the disease progresses, signs and symptoms may include:high cholesterolhypoproteinemiaweight gain as a result of excess fluid building up in the bodyswelling, or edema, in the ankles and legs and around the eyesproteinuria FSGS may cause nephrotic syndrome, a group of symptoms that indicate that the kidneys are not functioning properly. These symptoms include:high blood pressureproteinurialoss of protein in the blood, which can lead to hypoproteinemiaedemahigh cholesterol If the condition is in the advanced stages, a person may experience kidney disease and kidney failure. FSGS is a leading cause of kidney disease. The symptoms of kidney failure include:headacheslow appetitenauseamuscle cramps or weaknessstiffness or fluid in the jointsshortness of breathitchy skinconfusion or memory problemslow or no urine outputfatigue FSGS causes There are various potential causes of FSGS, and a single disease does not cause it. FSGS can be primary or secondary. Primary FSGS is when the condition occurs on its own and has no obvious cause. Genetics may play a role in some cases. Secondary FSGS usually occurs due to another disease or a drug, which can damage the glomeruli in the kidneys. Diseases that can cause FSGS include:HIVdiabeteslupussickle cell diseasehepatitis Ca previous glomerular disease Drugs that can cause FSGS include:anabolic steroidslithiuminterferonpamidronatemammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitorsheroin FSGS treatment FSGS is a chronic disease, and doctors cannot repair the scarring on the glomeruli. However, treatment may slow the disease. Some people may respond well to treatment, whereas others may experience a progression toward kidney failure. In these cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary. A doctor will formulate a treatment plan based on the individual. The treatment options include:Immunosuppressive drugs: These drugs help prevent the immune system from attacking the glomeruli.Corticosteroids: These medications perform similarly to immunosuppressive drugs, calming the immune system and preventing attacks on the glomeruli.Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: ARBs and ACE inhibitors are medications that reduce the loss of protein in the blood and manage blood pressure.Diuretics: These drugs help the body rid itself of excess fluid and reduce swelling. They can also help lower blood pressure.Plasmapheresis: In this procedure, a machine exchanges unhealthy plasma for healthy plasma, or a liquid substitute, in the blood.Dietary changes: People with FSGS may benefit from eating foods that are easier on the kidneys. Foods lower in sodium and protein may be beneficial. FSGS diagnosis A doctor can use several tests to help diagnose FSGS. These include:Blood tests: Doctors can use blood tests to check the levels of protein, wastes, and cholesterol in the blood, which can help them determine how the kidneys are functioning. A doctor may also perform a blood test called a glomerular filtration rate to determine how well the kidneys are filtering bodily waste.Urine tests: This test can reveal blood and protein in the urine.Genetic tests: A doctor can perform a genetic test to determine whether a person carries genes that are linked to kidney disease, which could help them decide on the best treatment type.Kidney biopsies: A doctor can remove a very small piece of the kidney with a needle and send it to a laboratory for analysis. Frequently asked questions Below are answers to some of the most common questions about FSGS. Is FSGS life threatening FSGS is not life threatening with appropriate treatment, but it is chronic and not reversible. The condition can lead to kidney disease and kidney failure. In such cases, a person may require a kidney transplant or dialysis to survive. Is FSGS inherited A person may inherit FSGS, but this is not always the case. Certain diseases or drugs may also cause FSGS. Does hypertension cause FSGS Yes, hypertension can lead to FSGS, as can other diseases and conditions, such as obesity. Summary FSGS is a type of chronic disease that damages the glomeruli, which are the filtering units inside the kidneys. It causes scarring in the kidneys. The condition can lead to nephrotic syndrome, which refers to a group of symptoms indicating that the kidneys are not working properly. It can also lead to kidney disease and kidney failure. In these cases, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary. A doctor may diagnose FSGS by performing various tests, including blood and urine tests. The treatment for FSGS can involve medications such as corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and diuretics. A doctor may also perform a procedure called plasmapheresis, which replaces unhealthy plasma with healthy plasma. A diet low in sodium and protein can also be beneficial. A person should speak with a healthcare professional if they think that they may have FSGS. Last medically reviewed on September 29, 2022Kidney disease 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). (n.d.).https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/focalOzeki, T., et al. (2021). Clinical manifestations of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in Japan from the Japan Renal Biopsy Registry: Age stratification and comparison with minimal change disease.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-80931-9Plasmapheresis. (n.d.).https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/plasmapheresisPodestà, M. A., et al. (2020). Autoimmunity in focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: A long-standing yet elusive association.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2020.604961/fullRiguetti, M. T. P., et al. (2020). Familial focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with late-onset presentation and R229Q/R291W podocin mutations.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fgene.2020.533373/fullRosenberg, A. Z., et al. (2017). Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.https://cjasn.asnjournals.org/content/12/3/502Sangameswaran, K. D. G., et al. (2022). Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532272/What is kidney failure? (2018).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/what-is-kidney-failureFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — By Caitlin Geng on September 29, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageWhat to know about kidney stonesMedically reviewed by University of Illinois Kidney stones form when minerals build up in the kidneys, usually due to not drinking enough fluid. Learn about the types, causes, and symptoms, as…READ MOREWhat's to know about kidney cysts?Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.D. The kidneys are a powerful filtration system that produce urine. They filter waste from the blood. 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