Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a rare disease that is characterized by scarring in the kidney’s filtering units, or glomeruli, which can lead to permanent kidney damage and even failure. Early symptoms of FSGS include proteinuria, edema, hypertension, low blood protein, and high cholesterol. FSGS can only be diagnosed through a kidney biopsy. If kidney failure occurs, treatment is available through dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis uses an artificial process to filter the blood. A transplant is when a healthy kidney replaces the damaged one through surgery.