Pediatric focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

What is pediatric focal segmental glomerulosclerosis?

Pediatric focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is one of several conditions that can cause kidney problems by damaging the glomeruli (tiny filtering units located inside the kidneys). The glomeruli help the kidneys remove extra water and waste from the body, while keeping the good proteins and other important nutrients. Conditions that affect the glomeruli are called glomerular diseases.

What are the different types of pediatric focal segmental glomerulosclerosis?

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a type of glomerular disease that causes scarring in the glomeruli.

There are two types of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis:

1. Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis - when the disease has no known cause

2. Secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis - when the disease is caused by another condition or medication

What are the signs and symptoms of pediatric focal segmental glomerulosclerosis?

In the early stages, there are no symptoms of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

Later symptoms may include:

• Edema

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol)

• Itchy skin

• Lack of appetite

• Low levels of protein in the blood

• Proteinuria

• Shortness of breath

• Weight gain

What are the causes of pediatric focal segmental glomerulosclerosis?

• Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis has no known cause.

• Secondary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis may be caused by diabetes, an infection such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or side effects from certain medications.