Symptoms of Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
What is the clinical presentation of Focal segmental glomerulosclerosi ?
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosi may present as nephrotic syndrome with edema, hypoalbuminemia, and hypercholesterolemia, or it may present in a patient with isolated proteinuria.
Microscopic hematuria is found in approximately half of patients at diagnosis. However, gross hematuria is rare. Children are more likely to present with nephrotic syndrome, but the entire phenotypic spectrum of FSGS occurs in both children and adults.
Kidney function as assessed by glomerular filtration rate may be normal but is impaired in up to 60% at presentation. ESKD at presentation is rare.
Clinical clues may help distinguish whether a patient has primary or secondary FSGS.
Patients with primary Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis more often have low serum albumin levels (<3 g/dL) and edema, whereas patients with secondary FSGS more often present with albumin levels >3.5 g/dL, without edema, and with some historical evidence of a predisposing primary condition or exposure.
