Drug use or infections may cause focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a very chronic kidney condition.

Losing large amounts of protein may cause swelling in the ankles and an accumulation of fluid in the abdomen.

[citation needed] Scarred glomeruli cannot be repaired, and many patients with glomerulosclerosis get worse over time until their kidneys fail.

This condition is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and the patients must begin dialysis treatment or receive a kidney transplant.

ACE inhibitors, a type of blood pressure medicine, preserve kidney function in patients with diabetes.