Diseases Studied
The Rare Diseases Clinical Research Network is an NIH-funded research network of 21 active consortia or research groups working to advance treatment for diseases that are rare. Use the search tools on this page to find the diseases we currently study. You can reach out to the indicated consortia or research groups for more information on those diseases and studies underway.
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All Diseases > Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis
Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
Alternative Names: Focal Nodular Glomerulosclerosis; Focal Glomerular Sclerosis
Disease Category: Nephrotic Syndrome
A kidney disorder characterized by scarring of a limited number of glomeruli (kidney structures responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste in urine). Only portions (segments) of these specific glomeruli are damaged. This particular disorder accounts for a fourth of nephrotic syndrome cases. Symptoms include proteinuria (proteins in the urine), hypoproteinemia (low blood protein levels), high triglyceride (type of fatty substance in the blood) levels, hypercholesterolemia (high blood cholesterol levels), swelling, and advanced (end-stage) kidney disease.