What Will Happen to FSGS Patients

Question: My nephew has just been diagnosed with FSGS. He is only six years old. I am trying to figure out what will potentially happen to him.

Answer: FSGS(Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis) is a common kidney problem that attract children easily. For children with FSGS, if their illness presents as Nephrotic Syndrome, they will experience the following symptoms:

1. Bubbly urine: It usually means there are excess protein in urine.

2. Swelling: Appearance of swelling is closely associated with serious protein loss from urine.

3. Low protein in blood: Protein in blood decreases greatly when large amounts of protein are lost from urine.

4. High lipid level in blood

The above are the typical clinical manifestation of Nephrotic Syndrome. For FSGS patients, if their illness condition can be controlled well, these symptoms will be avoided or alleviated successfully. However, if no effective treatment is given, FSGS will develop to renal failure. In that case, more symptoms which go as follow will appear as time goes by.

1. Decreased urine output

2. Nausea and vomiting

3. Dry skin, itchy skin and dark skin.

4. Dizziness and fatigue

5. Sleep problem like insomnia.