TREATMENT
Some treatment is used to control the symptoms associated with the disease as well as slow down the progression of the disease. Diuretics (“water pills”) are used to help rid the body of excess salt which causes the swelling (edema). Other medications are used to help control the blood pressure, particularly a group of drugs called angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). These same medications can help decrease the amount of protein that is lost by the kidney. Other drugs are often used to help reduce high blood cholesterol. In most cases, a moderate protein diet is usually recommended.

More specific treatment may be used to help alter the immune system and try to cure the disease. There are several treatments available. Steroids are often used initially for several months and up to 50% of individuals will improve with this medication. Other immunosuppression drugs may be used in addition to or instead of the steroids. These include a transplant medication, cyclosporine (and a related medication called Rapamune/ Rapamycin) and a chemotherapy agent, cyclophosphamide. Some have recently tried a different type of immunosuppressant called mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). Each of these treatments have different side effects associated with them which should be discussed with the nephrologist. All can increase the risk of infections and this too must be discussed with the physicians caring for FSGS patients.

In cases of FSGS that is secondary to other disorders, a major focus of therapy is treatment of the underlying disorder (such as weight loss or treatment of infections or other illness).

Source: National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse
3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3580
Email: nkudic@info.niddk.nih.gov
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1987, the clearinghouse provides information about diseases of the kidneys and urologic system to people with kidney and urologic disorders and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. NKUDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about kidney and urologic diseases. Publications produced by the clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts.
NIH Publication No. 03-4358
March 2003