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Managing Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) With At-Home Urine Testing

Rebekah Kuschmider
Rebekah Kuschmider
April 30, 2024
•
4
min read
Medically reviewed by:
Trager Hintze, PharmD
Managing Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) With At-Home Urine Testing
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What Is Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)?

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a rare disease that damages the tiny blood vessels (glomeruli) inside the kidneys. As blood passes through the glomeruli, waste products are removed from the bloodstream. 

FSGS causes scarring or hardening of the glomeruli, impairing their ability to filter waste from your blood. As a result, proteins leak from the kidneys into the urine or the bloodstream [1].

There are three types of FSGS [1]:

  • Primary FSGS: This type of FSGS develops without a known underlying cause.
  • Secondary FSGS: It develops as a complication of another condition, such as infection, medication reaction, or a health issue like diabetes or sickle cell disease.
  • Genetic FSGS: If one or both of your parents have FSGS, you can develop genetic FSGS.
In focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), scarring in the kidney's blood vessels affects their ability to filter blood properly.

Symptoms of FSGS

You may not notice signs of FSGS right away, and some symptoms can only be detected with a routine test [2]. FSGS symptoms can include:

  • High cholesterol
  • Lower-than-average amounts of albumin in the blood
  • Abnormally high levels of protein in the urine
  • High blood pressure

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If the condition has progressed and kidney function is severely compromised, you might notice these symptoms [2]:

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Complications of FSGS

Without proper diagnosis and treatment, FSGS can gradually worsen and cause significant and permanent damage to the kidneys. Complications from FSGS can include [2].

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD): CKD involves the gradual loss of kidney function. Over time, your kidneys are unable to remove toxic waste products from your body. This can lead to eventual kidney failure.
  • Kidney failure: When the kidneys lose 85% of their ability to function, it is considered kidney failure. The condition requires dialysis and a kidney transplant.  

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Complications of FSGS can include high blood pressure, proteinuria (excess protein in urine), and eventually, kidney failure if not managed effectively.

FSGS Management

There are treatments available for FSGS. Some people can go into complete remission from the condition. Treatments include [3].

  • Blood pressure management: Blood pressure drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) can reduce protein in urine.
  • Cholesterol level management: Elevated cholesterol levels can be a side effect of FSGS. Managing cholesterol can improve overall health. 
  • Diuretics: Certain types of medication flush excess salt and water from the body, improving blood pressure and reducing swelling.
  • Immunosuppressants: In primary FSGS, medicines such as corticosteroids can blunt immune responses and prevent further damage to the kidneys.

People with FSGS can use urine protein test strips to monitor protein in their urine. 

Diagnox 's urine protein test measures protein levels in urine to help detect kidney issues or other health conditions.

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Home tests are a simple but effective way to screen for protein or blood in the urine. The results can tell you if your current treatment plan is working or if you need to call your doctor for further discussion.

Diagnox's Urinox-10 contains at-home urine test strips that provide fast, easy-to-read results in minutes without having to go to the doctor's office or lab. The tests are packaged individually for a longer shelf life. These protein in urine test strips can test for 10 different parameters, giving you an accurate view of your urinary health. 

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References

[1] Cleveland Clinic Staff, “Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS),” Cleveland Clinic [Accessed April 23, 2024]. 

[2] National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Staff, “Glomerular Disease,” National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. [Accessed April 23, 2024]. 

[3] Mayo Clinic Staff, "Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)," Mayo Clinic [Accessed April 23, 2024].

About the Author
Rebekah Kuschmider

Rebekah has been writing about culture, health, and politics since 2010. She has a masters degree in Arts Policy and Administration from The Ohio State University. Her work has been seen at WebMD, The Candidly, MedicineNet, YourTango, Ravishly, Babble, Scary Mommy, Salon, Role Reboot, The Good Men Project, SheSaid, Huffington Post, and Mamamia. She is a former cohost of the weekly podcast The More Perfect Union. Rebekah lives in Maryland with her husband, two kids, and a dog who sheds a lot.

About the Reviewer
This blog was
Medically reviewed by:
Trager Hintze, PharmD

Trager Hintze is a clinical assistant professor and emergency medicine clinical pharmacist located in College Station, Texas. He has a bachelor's degree in biology as well as a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He balances teaching at Texas A&M University College of Pharmacy and practicing emergency medicine at St. Joseph Regional Health Hospital.

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