Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) not a single kidney disease, but is
a kind of kidney damage. In FSGS, the glomeruli responsible for filtrating blood
are damaged. In fact, the specific cause of FSGS is not clear yet. Several
diseases may cause the same damage in kidneys. The general cause of FSGS is
autoimmunity insufficiency. When the external antigens invade into body, the
antibody in body will fight against them. However, as the patients’ immunity has
deficiency, the antibody will damage to their own bodies by mistake. FSGS
sometimes may have familial aggravation, but it is not common.
If left untreated, FSGS will lead to a series of complications.
1. High blood pressure may develop. As kidneys lose their normal functions,
it will cause fluid retention in the body thus leading high blood volume. This
is a common inducement of high blood pressure. Moreover, for renal ischemia and
anoxia, the hormone renin for maintaining blood pressure will be secreted,
causing blood pressure to rise.
2. As glomeruli are scarred, they will lose the normal barrier function. As a
result, much protein will leak into urine. If there is a lot of protein in
urine, the cholesterol level may be very high.
3. In some cases, kidney failure may occur. Usually, it develops very slowly
so the patients need not be concerned about a sudden change in their disease
condition overnight. Therefore, if the patients can receive treatment as early
as possible, it is very possible for the patients to prevent it from developing
into renal failure.
4. As the kidney function declines, the fluid may build up in body, leading
to edema. The patients usually have edema around eyelid, face and ankle.
However, in severe case, the patients may have hydrothorax, which may lead to
shortness of breath and even heart failure.
Generally speaking, the prognosis of FSGS is not good. Without effective
treatment in time, it will develop into renal failure. Therefore, the patients
should receive treatment as early as possible so as to prevent the disease
progression. If you want to get more information about this, you can consult us
on line or email to kidney-treatment@hotmail.com.