Familial Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Treatment

Treatment of familial FSGS varies, depending on the patient's age, symptoms and laboratory findings. While no cure exists, medical care can potentially improve prognosis and life span. Patients at Mayo Clinic work closely with a team of specialists to create a treatment plan that meets their needs.

To reduce the chance of further damaging the kidneys, physicians recommend avoiding potentially harmful medications that can damage the kidneys, such as non-steroidal antinflammatory drugs and Chinese herbal supplements. Following a low-sodium diet can help protect the kidneys and lower blood pressure.

Some patients benefit from medications to lower blood pressure and urine protein excretion, such as angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Steroids or immunosuppressive drugs help decrease proteinuria and improve kidney function in a minority of patients. In others, the drugs actually decrease kidney function.