Treatment:

Medicines may be used to treat high blood pressure and lower lipid and cholesterol levels.

Other treatments for kidney failure or complications may be needed.

Your doctor may tell you to reduce fats and cholesterol in your diet. If you have kidney failure, you may need to restrict protein, salt, and fluids, or make other dietary changes.

Your doctor may also recommend other lifestyle changes such as increased exercise or weight loss. Stopping smoking is extremely important.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies but is generally poor. The disorder slowly gets worse over time. Lifestyle changes may help slow progression of the disease.

Complications:

• Acute renal failure
• Chronic renal failure
• High blood pressure
• Blood clots to other location of the body -- brain, intestine, legs

Calling your health care provider:

Call your doctor if you have:

• A decrease in urine output or no urine production
• Blood in the urine
• Severe abdominal pain or leg pain
• Unexplained ulcers on your legs or feet
• Toes that turn purple and occur with foot pain