Focal Segmental GlomerulosclerosisSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is scar tissue in the filtering unit of the kidney. This structure is called the glomerulus. The glomeruli serve as filters that help the body get rid of harmful substances. Each kidney has thousands of glomeruli.
"Focal" means that some of the glomeruli become scarred. Others remain normal. "Segmental" means that only part of an individual glomerulus is damaged.
Segmental glomerulosclerosis; Focal sclerosis with hyalinosis
The cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is often unknown.
The condition affects both children and adults. It occurs slightly more often in men and boys. It is also more common in African Americans. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis causes up to a quarter of all cases of nephrotic syndrome.
Known causes include:
- Drugs such as heroin
- Infection
- Inherited genetic problems
- Medicines such as bisphosphonates and anabolic steroids
- Obesity
- Reflux nephropathy (a condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidney)
- Sickle cell disease
- Some medicines
Symptoms may include:
- Foamy urine (from excess protein in the urine)
- Poor appetite
- Swelling, called generalized edema, from fluids held in the body
- Weight gain
Treatments may include:
- Medicines to reduce the body's inflammatory response.
- Medicines to lower blood pressure. Some of these medicines also help reduce the amount of protein that spills into the urine.
- Medicines to get rid of excess fluid (diuretic or "water pill").
- Low sodium diet to reduce swelling and lower blood pressure.
The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome and prevent chronic kidney disease or failure. These treatments may include:
- Antibiotics to control infections
- Fluid restriction
- Low-fat diet
- Low- or moderate-protein diet
- Vitamin D supplements
- Dialysis
- Kidney transplant
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
Dr. Nada Alachkar is an associate professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Her areas of clinical expertise include incompatible kidney transplants, kidney transplants, nephrology and pancreas transplants. Dr. Alachkar earned her M.D. at Aleppo University Faculty of Medicine in Syria. She completed residencies at Aleppo University and Wright State University School of Medicine. She performed clinical fellowship in nephrology and transplant nephrology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University. Her research interests include recurrent glomerular diseases post kidney transplantation; in particular recurrent FSGS post transplant. Also, she is studying biomarkers in kidney transplants; outcome of living and deceased donor kidney transplant recipients with positive crossmatch; and responses to desensitization treatments and post-transplant outcome in highly sensitized patients. Dr. Alachkar is a member of the American Society of Nephrology and the American Society of Transplantation. Dr. Alachkar is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. Her top areas of expertise are Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), D-Plus Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, Kidney Transplant, and Splenectomy.
Penn Renal Electrolyte And Hypertension Perelman
Kirk Campbell is a Nephrologist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Campbell is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. His top areas of expertise are Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, Glomerulonephritis, IgA Nephropathy, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Kidney Transplant. Dr. Campbell is currently accepting new patients.
BIDMC West Specialties Clinic-Nephrology
Martin Pollak is an Internal Medicine provider in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Pollak is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis. His top areas of expertise are Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis, Glomerulonephritis, Nephrotic Syndrome, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Kidney Transplant.
A large portion of people with focal or segmental glomerulosclerosis will develop chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
Complications may include:
- Chronic kidney disease or failure
- End-stage kidney disease
- Infection
- Malnutrition
- Nephrotic syndrome
Contact your provider if you develop symptoms of this condition, especially if there is:
- Fever
- Pain with urination
- Decreased urine output
No prevention is known.
Summary: This is a Phase 2, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter study designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of praliciguat in adults with biopsy-confirmed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Participants will be randomized 1:1 to receive praliciguat or placebo for initial 24 week treatment period. Following this double-blind period, all participants will receive pralicig...
Summary: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sparsentan tablets for the treatment of patients with proteinuria after kidney transplantation with once-daily dosing for 36 weeks.
Published Date: April 01, 2025
Published By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Radhakrishnan J, Stokes MB. Glomerular disorders and nephrotic syndromes. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 107.
Saha MK, Pendergraft WF, Jennette JC, Falk RJ. Primary glomerular disease. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 31.
Santoriello D, Radhakrishnan J, D'Agati VD. Primary and secondary (non-genetic) causes of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis. In: Johnson RJ, Floege J, Tonelli M, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 19.