MI Senate Health Policy June 2025: Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis FSGS presentation

The MI Senate Health Policy Committee membership remains unchanged in 2025. Testimony, contact, and subscription information is available on its home page.

Wednesday, June 11, 2025     12:30 p.m.

AGENDA

Presentation regarding Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

And any other business properly before the committee.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a highly specific disease. Why would a senate committee devote an entire hearing to it?

In this context, it's wise to consider whether lawmaker(s) have one or more of the following:

• a medical relative specializing in renal disease;
• constituency (including relatives) with the disease, or risk factors for it;
• plans to create a special disease commission;
• plans to appropriate special funding;
• or, all of the above.

The Mayo Clinic offers some clues:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fsgs/symptoms-causes/syc-20354693

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a disease in which scar tissue develops on the glomeruli, the small parts of the kidneys that filter waste from the blood. FSGS can be caused by a variety of conditions.

FSGS is a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure, which can only be treated with dialysis or kidney transplant. Treatment options for FSGS depend on the type you have.

Types of FSGS include:

Primary FSGS. Many people diagnosed with FSGS have no known cause for their condition. This is called primary (idiopathic) FSGS.
Secondary FSGS. Several factors, such as infection, drug toxicity, diseases including diabetes or sickle cell disease, obesity, and even other kidney diseases can cause secondary FSGS. Controlling or treating the underlying cause often slows ongoing kidney damage and might lead to improved kidney function over time.
Genetic FSGS. This is a rare form of FSGS caused by genetic changes. It also is called familial FSGS. It's suspected when several members of a family show signs of FSGS. Familial FSGS can also occur when neither parent has the disease but each one carries a copy of an altered gene that can be passed on to the next generation.
Unknown FSGS. In some cases, the underlying cause of FSGS cannot be determined despite the evaluation of clinical symptoms and extensive testing.