Understanding the cause of the FSGS pattern in your child's kidneys is important because:
- It helps doctors choose the right treatment
- It allows them to better predict how the condition might progress
- It helps them understand if other family members might need testing
- It guides decisions about long-term care
Your child's kidney team will do various tests to try to understand the cause of their FSGS. They will explain which type of FSGS they think your child has and why.
If your doctor thinks that your child has FSGS, they may be referred to a hospital to see a paediatric nephrologist, a doctor who treats children with kidney problems.
Your doctor may suspect FSGS if your child has symptoms of nephrotic syndrome and:
- has visible blood in their urine (haematuria)
- is urinating less often or smaller amounts
- has high blood pressure (hypertension)
- blood tests show that their kidneys are not working properly
- is a baby, infant or teenager
- has nephrotic syndrome that keeps coming back (frequently relapsing) in spite of treatment.
FSGS is diagnosed by a kidney biopsy. This is a procedure where a tiny piece (sample) of one of your child’s kidneys is removed from the body by a special needle. This sample is examined under microscopes to find out more about the kidney’s health. Medicines are used so your child does not feel any pain or can sleep through the procedure.
Blood tests will be done to check protein levels in your child’s blood, and their kidney function. Blood may also be taken for genetic testing.