| Nephrotic syndrome | |
|---|---|
_HE.jpg) | |
| Microscopic image of diabetic glomerulosclerosis, the main cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults. | |
| Specialty | Nephrology |
| Symptoms | Swelling, weight gain, feeling tired, foamy urine[1] |
| Complications | Blood clots, infections, high blood pressure[1] |
| Causes | Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, diabetes, lupus[1][2] |
| Diagnostic method | Urine testing, kidney biopsy[1] |
| Differential diagnosis | Nephritic syndrome, cirrhosis, severe malnutrition[2] |
| Treatment | Directed at underlying cause[1] |
| Frequency | 5 per 100,000 per year[3][4] |
Nephrotic syndrome is a collection of symptoms due to kidney damage. This includes protein in the urine, low blood albumin levels, high blood lipids, and significant swelling. Other symptoms may include weight gain, feeling tired, and foamy urine. Complications may include blood clots, infections, and high blood pressure.[1]
Causes include a number of kidney diseases such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, and minimal change disease.[1][2] It may also occur as a complication of diabetes, lupus, or amyloidosis. The underlying mechanism typically involves damage to the glomeruli of the kidney. Diagnosis is typically based on urine testing and sometimes a kidney biopsy.[1] It differs from nephritic syndrome in that there are no red blood cells in the urine.[2]
Treatment is directed at the underlying cause. Other efforts include managing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and infection risk. A low-salt diet and limiting fluids are often recommended.[1] About 5 per 100,000 people are affected per year.[3][4] The usual underlying cause varies between children and adults.[4]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Nephrotic Syndrome in Adults". National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. February 2014. Retrieved 9 November 2017.
- ^ a b c d Ferri FF (2017). Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2018 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 889. ISBN 9780323529570.
- ^ a b Kher K, Schnaper HW, Greenbaum LA (2016). Clinical Pediatric Nephrology, Third Edition. CRC Press. p. 307. ISBN 9781482214635.
- ^ a b c Kelly CR, Landman J (2012). The Netter Collection of Medical Illustrations - Urinary System e-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 101. ISBN 978-1455726561.