Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, abbreviated FSGS, is a histopathologic finding of scarring, called sclerosis, of the glomeruli, the kidney filtering units, together with damage to renal podocytes. This process damages the filtration function of the kidney, so that protein is lost into the urine, and signs and symptoms include proteinuria and edema. FSGS is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome, the excess loss of protein, in children and adults in the United States. It can be classified as primary, secondary or genetic, depending on whether a particular toxic or pathologic stressor or a genetic predisposition can be identified as the cause. Diagnosis is established by renal biopsy, and treatment consists of glucocorticoids and other immune-modulating drugs, with variable response and a significant share of patients progressing to end-stage kidney failure.