If your child has kidney damage which shows the FSGS pattern, they usually develop symptoms of a condition called nephrotic syndrome.
The symptoms and signs of FSGS are similar to other types of nephrotic syndrome.
The main symptom is swelling or puffiness (oedema) in different parts of the body, especially around the eyes, legs, feet and abdomen. Boys may also have oedema of the scrotum.
The swelling happens as there is too much fluid in the body’s soft tissues because of the kidneys leaking protein in the urine (proteinuria). This means that there is less protein in the blood to help keep water in the blood vessels. Your child’s urine may be frothy or bubbly. Proteinuria can be diagnosed by a urine test.
In FSGS, there may also be blood in the urine (haematuria). You cannot always see the blood, but if there is a lot, the urine may be coloured red or dark brown (like blackcurrant squash or a cola drink)
You may notice that your child is urinating less often or passing smaller amounts of urine each time.
They are also more likely to get infections because of the loss of antibodies that fight infection in the urine.
If your child has any of the symptoms below contact your doctor:
- severe pain in their tummy
- breathlessness
- fever (temperature above 38°C) – your child may sweat more than usual or be shivery.
- swollen, red or painful leg – this may be a sign of a blood clot.