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What Causes FSGs?

FSG (focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) is a genetic abnormality that affects glomerulus of the kidneys. The scar tissue covers the body's filtration system, and it can lead to chronic renal failure.

  1. Causes

    • The causes of FSG are largely unknown, but advances in clinical studies link the disease to reflux nephropathy. Reflux nephropathy is a condition in which kidneys are damaged from a backward influx of urine into the kidney. Valves that connect the kidney to the ureter evolved to keep urine flow in a one-way direction. However, genetic abnormalities damage these valves, allowing urine to relay back into the effected kidney. Because there is more pressure contained in the bladder, the urine that is returned to the kidney causes scarring after prolonged exposure without treatment.

      Other causes of FSG involve the abnormal length of the ureter that extends into the bladder. Normally, the ureter is buried well into the bladder with a genetically programmed length. When abnormalities in bladder tunnels are present, the pressure in the bladder overcomes the closed structure and pushes urine back into the kidneys. A shortened ureter also facilitates the opened tunnels giving way to the pressure.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of FSG are usually attributed to urinary tract infections, but repeated infections are signs of FSG and reflux nephropathy. Since FSG is a genetic condition, there is a greater possibility of developing FSG if parents have a history of reflux nephropathy. Some common clinical symptoms of FSG are blood in the urine, back pain or side pain in the kidney area, cloudy urine and increased frequency of urination.

    Diagnosis

    • It's important to seek medical treatment when FSG is suspected. If left unchecked, it can lead to chronic renal failure. Urinalysis, biopsies and immunofluorescence microscopy tests are usually given to patients who show symptoms.

    Treatment

    • The treatments for FSG is similar to those for urinary tract infections: antibiotics, improved diet behaviors and supplements like vitamin D. Diet plays a huge role in prevention. Exclusions and moderation of certain macromolecules suggested by doctors include proteins and lipids (fats). Doctors also suggest a lowered intake of salt and plenty of water to flush the system.

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