Is FSGS a Type of Nephrotic Syndrome

"I have just been diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and the doctor doubts FSGS affects me. What is the FSGS? Does it belong to nephrotic syndrome?" Many patients have no idea about FSGS and nephrotic syndrome, so today some knowledge will be given for them.

What is the exacting meaning of FSGS?

FSGS is short for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Focal means some

Segmental means sections

Glomerulo means of kidney filters

Sclerosis means being scarred

Kidneys contain millions of glomeruli for filtration. They are working as the a coffee filter and keep the valuable cells and protein in the blood and remove the excess water, salt as well as the waste products. FSGS refers to some glomeruli have been damaged and scarred in the kidneys. When the kidneys have broken in tissues, the valuable substances will be leaked from the blood. So people would have severe proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, swelling and hyperlipidaemia. When people get two or more symptoms above, they develop nephrotic syndrome.

How is FSGS diagnosed?

From the information above, we can know that nephrotic syndrome can be diagnosed only by the symptoms. As long as patients have these certain signs, they are patients with nephrotic syndrome. However, FSGS need a very accurate test—biopsy to see the specific situation where the glomeruli are in. From the test report of biopsy, people would be diagnosed with FSGS if less than 50% of glomeruli are scarring.

How is FSGS treated?

FSGS is a serious kidney disease that needs a comprehensive treatment in regular treatment. Usually the treatment contains:

Immunosuppressive agents to suppress immune system

Diuretics and low-salt diet help remit edema

Medications for reducing high blood pressure

Statins to lower cholesterol level


However, all these treatments are not enough to deal with FSGS. Immunotherapy gives other treatments to repair kidneys. For example, Micro-Chinese Medicine Osmotherapy is used to regulate immune system and keep them functioning to protect kidney cells. And Immunotherapy can supply healthy kidney tissues to increase kidney function greatly. So apart from the common treatment, patients are suggested to take immunotherapy to treat FSGS from the root.