What is it...
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is an illness that occurs when scar tissue forms in some of the glomeruli of the kidney. Glomeruli are structures in the kidney that filter harmful or unnecessary substances out of the body. Each kidney has thousand of glomeruli.
The term "focal" means that some of the glomeruli become scarred, while others remain normal. The term "segmental" means that only part of an individual glomerulus is damaged.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis causes about 10 to 15% of all cases of nephrotic syndrome. In this condition, protein is persistently released in the urine, especially in the form of urine albumin. Most cases will progress to long term, chronic renal failure.
The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms associated with nephrotic syndrome and chronic renal failure. Treatment may be chronic and lifelong.
In most cases, a moderate-protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day) is usually recommended. In cases where renal failure is present, a low-protein diet may be preferred.
Over 50% of people with focal or segmental glomerulosclerosis develop chronic renal failure within 10 years.
Dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary to control renal failure.
It's not good, but it's not fatal. :)
Good luck to you, friend. :)