Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, or FSGS, is a rare kidney disease that affects the glomeruli, the tiny filters in your kidneys. These filters are essential for cleaning your blood by removing waste and excess fluid. When FSGS is present, these filters become scarred, making it difficult for them to do their job. This can lead to a host of health issues and, in some cases, kidney failure.

At NephCure Inc., we understand that receiving an FSGS diagnosis can be overwhelming and confusing. Our goal is to provide clear, accessible information to help you and your loved ones better understand this condition. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of FSGS, the common symptoms, and what research has revealed about focal segmental glomerulosclerosis risk factors and FSGS kidney disease causes.

What Exactly Is FSGS?

To understand FSGS, it's helpful to think of your kidneys as sophisticated cleaning systems. Within each kidney are millions of tiny filtering units called glomeruli. These filters are responsible for sifting out waste products from your blood while holding on to important proteins and nutrients.

In FSGS, scar tissue develops in these filters. The term "focal" means that only some of the glomeruli are affected, while "segmental" indicates that only a part of each affected glomerulus is damaged. This scarring impairs the kidney's ability to filter blood, allowing essential proteins to leak into the urine. This loss of protein is a hallmark of the disease and is what often leads to many of the observable FSGS symptoms.

There are three main types of FSGS:

• Primary FSGS: This is when the cause of the disease is unknown. Researchers believe it may be linked to an unidentified substance circulating in the blood that damages the kidneys.
• Secondary FSGS: This type is caused by another medical condition, medication, or external factor. It is the result of the body trying to compensate for a problem, which puts stress on the kidneys.
• Genetic (Familial) FSGS: This is an inherited form of the disease caused by a change in a person's genes. This can be suspected when multiple family members show signs of the disease.

Recognizing the Signs: Common FSGS Symptoms

Early on, many people with FSGS may not experience any symptoms at all. The disease is often first detected during routine medical tests, like a urine test, which can reveal high levels of protein. As the condition progresses and protein loss from the kidneys increases, the following symptoms may become noticeable:

• Foamy or Bubbly Urine: This is one of the most common signs and is caused by excess protein spilling into the urine.
• Swelling (Edema): The loss of protein from the blood makes it harder for the body to retain fluid in the bloodstream, leading to fluid buildup and swelling, especially in the legs, ankles, feet, and around the eyes.
• Sudden Weight Gain: This is often a direct result of the fluid retention associated with edema.
• Poor Appetite: As kidney function declines, it can lead to a general feeling of being unwell, which may affect appetite.
• Fatigue: The body's inability to filter waste properly can cause a buildup of toxins, leading to a feeling of extreme tiredness.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional. A diagnosis of FSGS is typically confirmed through a kidney biopsy, which allows doctors to examine a small piece of kidney tissue for the telltale scarring.

Uncovering the FSGS Kidney Disease Causes

While the exact cause of primary FSGS is still under investigation, significant progress has been made in identifying the FSGS kidney disease causes for secondary and genetic forms. Understanding the root cause is crucial for determining the right treatment plan.

Known causes of secondary FSGS include:

• Other Kidney Diseases: Conditions like reflux nephropathy, which causes urine to flow backward from the bladder to the kidneys, can lead to FSGS.
• Systemic Diseases: Diseases that affect the entire body, such as lupus, diabetes, and sickle cell disease, can put stress on the kidneys and cause the scarring seen in FSGS.
• Viral Infections: Certain viruses, including HIV and hepatitis C, have been identified as triggers for secondary FSGS.
• Medications and Drugs: The use of certain medications, like anabolic steroids, or recreational drugs, such as heroin, can be a direct cause of kidney damage that results in FSGS.
• Obesity: Studies have shown a strong link between obesity and the development of FSGS, as extra weight puts a significant strain on the kidneys.

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Risk Factors to Consider

While anyone can develop FSGS, certain factors may increase your likelihood of getting the disease. Understanding these focal segmental glomerulosclerosis risk factors can help in early detection and management.

Some of the key risk factors include:

• Genetic Predisposition: As mentioned, certain gene changes can be passed down through families, significantly increasing the risk of developing genetic FSGS.
• Race/Ethnicity: FSGS is more common in African Americans, and researchers are studying specific genetic variants, like those in the APOL1 gene, that may play a role in this increased risk.
• Other Medical Conditions: Having a chronic condition like diabetes, lupus, or other existing kidney diseases puts you at a higher risk.
• Male Gender: Statistically, FSGS is slightly more common in men and boys.

Your Partner in Kidney Health

At NephCure Inc., we are dedicated to supporting patients and their families. While there is currently no cure for FSGS, various treatments are available to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. These treatments may include blood pressure medications, diuretics, and immunosuppressive therapies.

Living with a chronic kidney condition can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. By understanding the FSGS kidney disease causes, recognizing the focal segmental glomerulosclerosis risk factors, and being aware of the key FSGS symptoms, you can work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized management plan. We believe that knowledge is power, and we are committed to providing resources and support every step of the way.