Review on diagnosis and treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Abstract

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is one the most important causes of the nephrotic syndrome in adult patients. FSGS is not a disease entity. The identification of underlying causes of FSGS (secondary FSGS) has increased our insight into the pathogenesis of FSGS. Moreover, differentiating between primary (idiopathic) and secondary forms of FSGS is important to allow appropriate treatment. Recently a new pathological classification of FSGS was proposed, expanding FSGS to include nonsclerotic lesions. In this review we discuss the current diagnostic and therapeutic options in patients with FSGS.