Definition:
Minimal change disease is a kidney illness that causes nephrotic syndrome. This disease is common among children.
Diagnosis:
The disease is diagnosed by urinalysis and other laboratory tests to measure levels of proteins released by the urine.
Treatment:
Drugs such as prednisone combined with an ACE inhibitor are given to treat the disease. Corticosteroids are afterwards prescribed to prevent further swelling.
Symptoms and Signs:
The common symptoms of the disease include proteinuria, water retension and edema. Nephrotic syndrome occurs when the kidney loses protein, causing blood levels to go down and set up inflammations in the hands and feet.
Causes:
The disease is caused by hematologic problems, food and drug allergies, as well as immune complex deposition.
