On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding nephrotic syndrome.
What is nephrotic syndrome?
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes a malfunction in the blood filtering units (glomeruli), leading to a significant leakage of protein into the urine. This disorder can result from kidney diseases, other chronic diseases affecting the body, or even the use of certain medications. It can occur at any age but is more common in children.
What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?
Nephrotic syndrome is a collection of health problems, including:
- Excess protein is deposited in the urine, which may make the urine appear foamy.
- Low levels of a protein in the blood called albumin
- High levels of fats in the blood.
- Swelling and fluid accumulation in the body.
Symptoms in individuals with congenital nephrotic syndrome often begin appearing from birth to three months of age and continue thereafter.
What are the causes of nephrotic syndrome?
Nephrotic syndrome occurs due to changes in kidney tissue that are only visible under an electron microscope. These changes can result from kidney issues or other health conditions that increase the risk, such as:
- Kidney diseases like focal segmental glomerulosclerosis or glomerulonephritis.
- Infections such as hepatitis or HIV.
- Certain chronic metabolic diseases, such as diabetes.
- Some chronic immune diseases, such as lupus.
- Medications that affect the kidneys, such as lithium, used for bipolar disorder.
- Certain types of cancers, such as leukemia.
One type of nephrotic syndrome is congenital nephrotic syndrome, a genetic disease occurring when both parents carry the gene responsible for the syndrome.
How is nephrotic syndrome diagnosed?
The doctor takes a medical history and conducts a physical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Laboratory tests on urine.
- Laboratory tests on blood.
- A kidney tissue biopsy.
How is nephrotic syndrome treated?
Treatment involves several procedures or as needed, and may include:
- Treating any bacterial or infectious cause.
- Using steroids, such as cortisone, to treat the kidney disorder.
- Blood pressure medications to help reduce the amount of protein leaking into the urine.
- Diuretics to eliminate fluid accumulation.
- Dialysis in advanced stages of the disease.
- Kidney transplantation in advanced stages of the disease.
How can nephrotic syndrome be prevented?
There is no prevention for nephrotic syndrome, but there are some tips to live with the disease:
- Adhering to appointments.
- Taking prescribed medications.
- Controlling fluid intake.
- Checking for proteins in the urine when signs of syndrome activity appear.
- Controlling sodium intake in food to avoid fluid retention in the body.
- Completing vaccinations.
What are the complications of nephrotic syndrome?
- Blood clotting disorders.
- Increased susceptibility to infections.
- High blood pressure.
- Chronic kidney disease and kidney failure.
- Malnutrition.
When should you see a doctor?
If you notice symptoms in yourself or your child that indicate nephrotic syndrome, such as body swelling due to fluid accumulation or foamy urine.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I noticed a change in urine. Does this mean I have nephrotic syndrome?
It depends on the type of change in the urine being referred to, but most urine changes are generally due to non-serious causes and indicate treatable diseases. However, if there is a change in urine accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, body swelling, or suspicious signs in urine changes and the presence of blood in urine, you should see a doctor for necessary tests and to develop a treatment plan to determine the reasons for the urine change and the presence of other symptoms.
I did a urine test and found protein in the urine. Does this mean I have nephrotic syndrome?
No, nephrotic syndrome is a collection of symptoms and health problems that must all be present to diagnose the syndrome, and it depends on the amount of protein in the urine. The presence of protein in the urine can be due to benign causes, such as in people who exercise regularly, or other non-syndrome health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Is nephrotic syndrome a chronic disease?
Yes, nephrotic syndrome is a chronic disease with no permanent cure except for kidney transplantation. However, available treatments like steroids can prevent kidney disorders from recurring in certain types for long periods, preserving kidney function from deterioration.
Are there other types of nephrotic syndrome?
Yes, there is another type associated with the presence of blood in the urine and high blood pressure, called Nephritic Syndrome, with causes similar to the first type of nephrotic syndrome (Nephrotic Syndrome).
