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Alternative names Return to top
Segmental glomerulosclerosis; Focal sclerosis with hyalinosisDefinition Return to top
Glomeruli are structures in the kidney that filter harmful or unnecessary substances out of the body. Each kidney has thousand of glomeruli. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is an illness that occurs when scar tissue forms in some of the glomeruli of the kidney.
The term "focal" means that some of the glomeruli become scarred, while others remain normal. The term "segmental" means that only part of an individual glomerulus is damaged.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is usually unknown. A small number of cases result from reflux nephropathy. The condition affects both children and adults. Males are affected slightly more often than females, and it also occurs more frequently in African-Americans.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
There are no strong clues to the diagnosis on physical examination, other than evidence of edema and elevated blood pressure. Evidence of chronic renal failure and associated fluid overload may develop as the illness progresses.Treatment Return to top
The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms associated with nephrotic syndrome and chronic renal failure. Treatment may be chronic and lifelong.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Over 50% of people with focal or segmental glomerulosclerosis develop chronic renal failure within 10 years.Complications Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your doctor if you or someone you know have the symptoms suggestive of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.Prevention Return to top
No prevention is known. Update Date: 8/7/2003 Updated by: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |