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Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Definition:

Glomeruli are structures in the kidney that filter harmful or unnecessary substances out of the body. Each kidney has thousand of glomeruli. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is an illness that occurs when scar tissue forms in some of the glomeruli of the kidney.

The term "focal" means that some of the glomeruli become scarred, while others remain normal. The term "segmental" means that only part of an individual glomerulus is damaged.



Alternative Names:
Segmental glomerulosclerosis; Focal sclerosis with hyalinosis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is usually unknown. A small number of cases result from reflux nephropathy. The condition affects both children and adults. Males are affected slightly more often than females, and it also occurs more frequently in African-Americans.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis causes about 10 to 15% of all cases of nephrotic syndrome. In this condition, protein is persistently released in the urine, especially in the form of urine albumin. Most cases will progress to long term, chronic renal failure.

Although the disorder seems to be immune system related, response to corticosteroid or immunosuppressive medications, which modify our immune response, is inconsistent.

Review Date: 8/7/2003
Reviewed By: Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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