Nephrotic Syndrome |
OverviewNephrotic syndrome is a condition marked by the loss of large amounts of protein through the urine. It can occur with many diseases including kidney diseases caused by diabetes mellitus. Nephrotic syndrome can affect people of all ages. In children it is most common between the ages of 1½ and 5 years. CausesNephrotic syndrome is the result of various disorders that damage the kidneys. In children 80 percent of cases are caused by minimal change disease a kidney disorder that appears to be preceded by viral infection allergic reactions or recent immunizations. The most common cause in adults is membranous glomerulonephritis a disorder in which tiny blood vessels that filter waste and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine become inflamed and damaged. Other causes for nephrotic syndrome include infection exposure to certain drugs malignancy hereditary disorders immune disorders or diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus multiple myeloma and amyloidosis. It can also accompany other kidney disorders. SymptomsNephrotic syndrome is marked by very high levels of protein in the urine; low levels of protein in the blood; swelling especially around the eyes feet and hands; high cholesterol and high blood pressure. There may also be unintentional weight gain associated with fluid retention.TreatmentTreatment of nephrotic syndrome focuses on identifying the underlying cause if possible and reducing high cholesterol blood pressure and protein in urine through diet medications or both. Nephrotic syndrome may go away once the underlying cause if known has been treated.In children minimal change disease can be successfully treated with a drug called prednisone. In adults angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors help reduce protein loss in the urine and other medications are available to help control symptoms. However underlying kidney diseases often persist even with treatment. In such cases the kidneys may gradually lose their ability to filter wastes and excess water from the blood. If kidney failure occurs the patient will need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Prevention Prevention of nephrotic syndrome relies on controlling underlying diseases.
|