Glomerulosclerosis

Treatment of Glomerulosclerosis

There is no cure for glomerulosclerosis. And the FDA has not approved any drugs specifically for its treatment.

But several treatments can slow its progression and control symptoms. These include:

• Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). These are blood pressure drugs that help control protein loss.
• Steroids such as prednisone or prednisolone and other immune system-suppressing drugs to reduce protein loss.
• Statins to control cholesterol.
• Anticoagulants to prevent blood clots.
• Diuretics, or water pills, to remove excess salt from the body. This reduces swelling.
• Low-salt diet, exercise, and vitamins.

If glomerulosclerosis was caused by another condition, such as obesity, infection, or an illness such as diabetes, treatment of that condition will be a priority of therapy. Treatment will also include regular monitoring of the kidneys with blood and urine tests.

Eventually, glomerulosclerosis may cause the kidneys to fail, despite treatment. In such cases, patients will need to undergo dialysis or a kidney transplant.