What are the Traditional Treatments for FSGS

The principles for treating FSGS (Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerois):

1. Timely and positive symptomatic treatments including anti-coagulation, anti-thrombosis, anti-hypertension, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-proteinuria and supportive therapy, etc.

2. Protecting remaining kidney functions. Prevent further renal damages and slow down illness progression.

3. Prevention and treatments for complications including infections, thromboembolic complications, disorders of water, electrolyte and acid-base as well as adverse reactions of drugs and medicines.

4. The combination of glucocorticoid and immunosuppressants can be considered for those whose illness condition often relapses.

The traditional treatment options include:

1. Glucocorticoid. The first use of glugocorticoid is very important and the effect is of great significance for predicting illness conditions, making long term treatment and measuring the prognosis. The remission rate after glucocorticoid in children is higher than that in adults. The prognosis is poor if glucocorticoid is not effective and it will progress into chronic kidney disease.

2. Immunosuppressant. Cytotoxic drugs are often combined with prednisone and the remission rate is higher than mere glucocorticoid.

3. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II receptor antagonist. It has the functions of lowering blood pressure, reducing proteinuria and slowing down the progression of glomerular sclerosis.

4. Anti-coagulation, anti-thrombosis and anti-hyperlipidemia. Metabolic disorder of lipid, high pressure and high condensation states in the kidneys will all worsen the illness conditions, therefore the risk can be much lowered if these conditions are prevented and treated properly and timely.

5. Plasma exchange. It has been reported that plasma exchange can effectively alleviate the symptoms for those young FSGS patients that have poor reactions to immunosuppressant, have rapid progression into end stage kidney failure or recurrent cases after kidney transplant.

FSGS can relapse within short time after kidney transplant and the recurrent rate is as high as 50% to 100%. The recurring of FSGS is might related to the circulating factors in the body.