Glomerulosclerosis
Scarring causes problems with the filtering process of the kidneys. This causes protein to leak from the blood into the urine, where it can be detected.
Glomerulosclerosis is just one of many possible causes of protein in the urine. A kidney biopsy may be needed to find the cause. About 7% to 15% of people with protein in the urine have glomerulosclerosis.
Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment based on:
- How old you are
- Your overall health and medical history
- How sick you are
- How well you can handle specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
- How long the condition is expected to last
- Your opinion or preference
Scarred glomeruli cannot be repaired. Treatment aims to prevent further damage and to avoid dialysis. The best treatment for glomerulosclerosis depends on what caused the scarring. The cause is determined by a kidney biopsy. Treatment may include:
- Immune system medicines. Medicines used to block the body's immune system. This prevents the body from making antibodies that may attack the glomerulus.
- Dialysis. A treatment to remove wastes and excess fluid from the blood after the kidneys have stopped working.
- Kidney transplant. This procedure replaces your diseased kidney with a healthy one from a donor.
- Blood pressure lowering medicines
- Diet changes
- Glomerulosclerosis is scarring of the filtering part of the kidneys (glomerulus). This causes a loss of protein into the urine. These proteins help fluid stay within the blood vessels. Without them, fluid leaks into the nearby tissue causing swelling.
- Fluids are not properly filtered from the body by the kidneys into the urine. This causes fluid to build up in the body.
- Medicines to decrease the inflammation and swelling can be used.
- For severe scarring, dialysis or kidney transplant may be needed for long-term survival.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
- Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
- Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
- Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
- If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
- Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.
Updated:  
January 16, 2018
Sources:  
Treatment of primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. UpToDate
Reviewed By:  
Latif, Walead, DO,Finke, Amy, RN, BSN