National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

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Does protein S deficiency have anything to do with FSGS? My doctor can not find a cause for my FSGS.

The following information may help to address your question:


What is focal segmental glomerulosclerosis?

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a type of kidney disorder. It is characterized by scar tissue that forms in some of the glomeruli in the kidney.[1] FSGS may cause non-specific signs and symptoms, including protein in the urine, elevated levels of creatinine, and swelling.[2][3] In many cases the cause of FSGS can not be determined. Some cases are thought to be associated with congenital kidney defects, urine backing up into the kidneys, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, sickle cell anemia, or viruses (e.g., HIV).[3]  The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent chronic kidney failure.[1] Even with treatment, many people with FSGS progress to kidney failure within 5 to 20 years.[1]
Last updated: 11/4/2015

Are focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and protein S deficiency associated?

Protein S deficiency is a disorder that causes abnormal blood clotting. We found very limited information in our search of the literature regarding any association between protein S deficiency and FSGS.
Last updated: 8/16/2011

We hope this information is helpful. We strongly recommend you discuss this information with your doctor. If you still have questions, please contact us.

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GARD Information Specialist

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  1. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. MedlinePlus. October 21, 2015; http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000478.htm. Accessed 11/4/2015.
  2. Glomerular diseases. National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. April 2, 2014; http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/glomerular/. Accessed 11/4/2015.
  3. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). UNC Kidney Center Web site. http://unckidneycenter.org/kidney-health-library/glomerular-disease/focal-segmental-glomerulosclerosis-fsgs. Accessed 11/4/2015.