Definition:
Nephrotic syndrome is a nonspecific disorder in which the kidneys are damaged instigating them to leak large protein amounts from the blood into the urine.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis for Nephrotic Syndrome is usually achieved by following some or all of the following diagnostic procedures:
* Urinalysis
* Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
* Cholesterol examination
* Electrolytes, Urea, and Creatinine (EUCs)
* Kidney biopsy
* Autoimmune markers
Treatment:
Treatment for Nephrotic Syndrome includes supportive treatment, treatment of the specific underlying cause and dietary recommendations. Supportive treatment includes monitoring and maintaining amount of body fluid, monitoring function of the kidney, preventing complications, and treating any complication that starts to develop. Treating the underlying cause is achieved through administration of medications for the cause of the present condition. Dietary recommendations involve informing the patient what is and what is not allowed for food and fluid intake.
Symptoms and Signs:
Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by:
* Excessive serum proteins in the urine (proteinuria)
* Low level of albumin in blood serum (hypoalbuminemia)
* Abnormal levels of lipids and/or lipoproteins in the blood (hyperlipidemia)
* Increased of fluid in any organ (edema)
Edema is the most common sign of Nephrotic Syndrome. It may present as puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning; pitting edema on the legs, presence of fluid in the pleural cavity, or ascites.
Other less common presentations of the disease are:
* Hypertension
* Foamy urine
* Rash associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Causes:
There are several causative factors for Nephrotic Syndrome. It may be the result of a disease limited to the kidney, which is known as primary nephrotic syndrome. Secondary nephritic syndrome is a condition that affects the kidney and other body parts.
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
