Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

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Treatment

The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms associated with nephrotic syndrome and chronic renal failure. Treatment may be chronic and lifelong.

Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications may be prescribed to reduce the immune response.

Medicines to treat high blood pressure, especially a group of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, and diuretics may help control symptoms such as high blood pressure and edema. Antibiotics may be needed to control infections.

Your doctor may treat high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are also common with this disorder, to reduce the development of atherosclerosis. Reducing cholesterol and saturated fats in the diet may be of only limited benefit as the high levels seen in this condition seem to result from overproduction of cholesterol and triglycerides by the liver rather than the excessive intake of fats. Medicines to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides may be recommended.

In most cases, a moderate-protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day) is usually recommended. In cases where renal failure is present, a low-protein diet may be preferred.

Sodium (salt) in the diet and fluids may be restricted to help control swelling (see also renal disease - diet). Vitamin D may need to be supplemented if nephrotic syndrome is chronic and unresponsive to therapy.

Dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary to control renal failure.

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