Prednisone For FSGS(Focal Segmental Glomerulous Sclerosis)

FSGS is one relatively refractory nephrotic syndrome which often progresses into end stage renal failure within 5-10 years. Prednisone is often the first medicine to be used to treat FSGS and other nephrotic syndrome cases.

Prednisone belongs to corticosteroids and it is prescribed by the doctors to help treat swelling, proteinuria, hematuria so as to help patients achieve clinical remission, slow or prevent further illness progression.

Prednisone can be used solely if patients have good response to the drugs. For those that are not responsive to prednisone and those that have developed steroid resistance, prednisone can be used along with other drugs such as cyclophosphamide and cyclosporine.

Since prednisone can not solve the root problem and it will further weaken the patient’s immunity, patients often have relapse and each relapse will make the illness conditions even worse. Long term intake of prednisone can cause many side effects such weight gain, moon face, tiredness, memory problems, mood swing and depression, etc.

It is well known that the steroids, cytotoxic drugs and immunosuppressive agents can cause potential damages to the kidney functions. And more cautions should be paid for children patients, elderly patients and pregnant women patients. FSGS is a common nephrotic syndrome type in children and adolescents. Children are still in the process of development, it has been reported that prednisone can cause bone problems and affect the children’s normal growth. For elderly patients, the intake of prednisone can make them more likely to develop problems and diseases in their liver, kidneys and heart. For women patients that have pregnancy, it is recommended to take this drug under the doctor’s guidance and permission to avoid unwanted injuries to the unborn baby.

To reduce the side effects of prednisone, it is very important to not take exceeded dosage of this drug. Some Chinese medicines can help relieve the side effects of prednisone by regulating immune disorders and shortening the treatment course with prednisone.