I was diagnosed with this disease when i got pregnant. you lose alot of protein through your urine output and i was just wondering if anyone else has this disease and could give me some more info. I was told its like my kidneys are big strainers they let out all the protein one DR told me i could live a full life another told me i may need a transplant at around the age 50+. so any info would help It's actually called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Glomeruli are structures in the kidney that filter harmful or unnecessary substances out of the body. Each kidney has thousands 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.
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 - 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.Medicines to treat high blood pressure, especially a group of drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, and diuretics may help control symptoms such as high blood pressure and edema. Antibiotics may be needed to control infections.
Your doctor may treat high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are also common with this disorder, to reduce the development of atherosclerosis. Reducing cholesterol and saturated fats in the diet may be of only limited benefit as the high levels seen in this condition seem to result from overproduction of cholesterol and triglycerides by the liver rather than the excessive intake of fats. Medicines to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides may be recommended.
In most cases, a moderate-protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day) is usually recommended. In cases where renal failure is present, a low-protein diet may be preferred.
Sodium in the diet and fluids may be restricted to help control swelling. Vitamin D may need to be supplemented if nephrotic syndrome is chronic and unresponsive to therapy.
Dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary to control renal failure. Over 50% of people with focal or segmental glomerulosclerosis develop chronic renal failure within 10 years.
Check out http://davita.com/ for more information about kidney disease and ways to live a long life with it. It's a great source of information.
Best of luck to you. |
