Importance of Early Detection of Primary FSGS
Signs and Symptoms of Primary FSGS
Swelling (edema) in body parts such as legs, ankles
and around the eyes.
Weight gain due to extra fluid building in your body.
Foamy urine (proteinuria) caused by high protein
levels in the urine.
High cholesterol levels in the blood.
Low levels of protein in the blood (hypoalbuminemia).
Please consult with your healthcare provider if you exhibit any signs and symptoms for a proper diagnosis.
FSGS Recurrence After Kidney Transplant
The way that FSGS causes damage to the transplanted kidney is not entirely clear. There is some evidence that it may be due to a substance present in the blood.
Studies have shown that the use of immunosuppressive medications is sometimes effective. Additionally, using medications to control blood pressure and reduce the protein in the urine is helpful.1
FSGS recurrence after kidney transplantation remains a major risk factor for loss of kidney transplant. About 1,000 FSGS patients a year receive kidney transplants. Within hours to weeks after kidney transplantation, FSGS recurs in approximately 30-40% of adults and up to 50% in children.3
ADULTS4
PEDIATRIC5
Testing for FSGS
- Urinalysis: A urine test will help find protein and blood in your urine.
- Blood tests: A blood test will help find levels of protein and wastes in your blood.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR): A blood test will be done to find out how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your body.
- Kidney biopsy: A tiny piece of your kidney is removed with a special needle and looked at under a microscope.
- Genetic testing: A genetic test may be done to see if you were born with genes that caused your kidney disease.
References:
- “Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).” UNC Kidney Center, 6 Apr. 2018, https://unckidneycenter.org/kidneyhealthlibrary/glomerular-disease/focal-segmental-glomerulosclerosis-fsgs/.
- “Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).” NephCure Kidney International®, 9 Feb. 2023, http://nephcure.org/livingwithkidneydisease/ns-and-other-glomerular-diseases/understanding-fsgs/
- Kitiyakara, Chagriya et al. “Twenty-one-year trend in ESRD due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in the United States.” American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation vol. 44,5 (2004): 815-25.
- Uffing, Audrey et al. “Recurrence of FSGS after Kidney Transplantation in Adults.” Clinical journal of the American Society of Nephrology : CJASN vol. 15,2 (2020): 247-256. doi:10.2215/CJN.08970719
- Weber, Stefanie, and Burkhard Tönshoff. “Recurrence of focal-segmental glomerulosclerosis in children after renal transplantation: clinical and genetic aspects.” Transplantation vol. 80,1 Suppl (2005): S128-34. doi:10.1097/01.tp.0000187110.25512.82
- Kaneka Medical America LLC., 2021, LIPOSORBER®LA-15 SYSTEM Operator’s Manual No.1002en-R4.
