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Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a rare disease characterized by dysfunction in the part of the kidney that filters blood (glomeruli). Only some glomeruli are aected, but continued damage can lead to . Focal = Some Segmental = Sections Glomerulo = of the Filtering Units Sclerosis = Are Scarred

FSGS Symptoms The exact cause of primary Early symptoms of FSGS are the same as Nephrotic Syndrome. FSGS is unknown and not precisely understood. However, genetic and Common Symptoms: environmental factors may be associated - Protein in the urine, which can be foamy (called with the disease. )

- Low levels of protein in the blood With FSGS, many individuals - Swelling in parts of the body, most noticeably around experience cycles the eyes, hands, feet, and abdomen (called edema) of remission and relapse. - Weight gain due to extra fluid building up in your body Remission means there - Can cause high blood pressure (called hypertension) is currently no and high fat levels in the blood (high cholesterol) protein spilling into the 50% of urine. patients with FSGS will Fast Facts progress to kidney failure. The only way to dierentiate FSGS from other primary Every FSGS Nephrotic Syndrome conditions is to have a kidney biopsy. patient follows a unique journey. FSGS in Adults FSGS in Children

- FSGS occurs more - Focal Segmental frequently in adults than Glomerulosclerosis is one of in children and is most the leading causes of End Some patients prevalent in adults 45 Stage Renal Disease receive a kidney years or older. (ESRD) in children. transplant to treat their kidney failure due to FSGS, - African Americans are 5 - FSGS is associated with but FSGS comes back times more likely to get up to 20% of all new cases to attack the new FSGS in comparison with of Nephrotic Syndrome kidney 30-50% the general population. in children each year. of the time. TreatingTreating YourYour DiseaseDisease

Short-Term Goals Long-Term Goals

The short-term goal of treatment is to stop The long-term goals of treatment include protein spillage completely (remission) or preventing relapses of protein in the urine and lower the amount of protein lost in the urine preventing the deterioration of kidney as much as possible. function.

There are currently no FDA-approved treatment options for FSGS. The standard first-line treatment for FSGS is Prednisone, a corticosteroid.

HowHow toto LiveLive WithWith YourYour DiseaseDisease

Following a low-fat, low-sodium diet Finding a nephrologist that you will help improve your kidneys’ 2. trust is very important to your 1. function and your FSGS symptoms. long-term health.

Learn about your disease, treatment NephCure Kidney International can help you connect with other patients and find options, and clinical trials in order to 3. 4. support to manage your disease. better advocate for yourself.

NephCure Kidney International is working every day to leverage support to find better ® treatments and a cure for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis.

Please visit NephCure.org to learn more about FSGS & Nephrotic Syndrome.