Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome can be caused by various underlying conditions, including:

• Minimal Change Disease: Often seen in children and typically responds well to treatment.
• Membranous Nephropathy: Caused by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane.
• Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): Scarring in the glomeruli that affects their ability to filter blood effectively.
• Diabetic Nephropathy: Kidney damage due to diabetes, leading to nephrotic syndrome.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): Lupus can affect the kidneys, causing nephrotic syndrome among other complications.

Symptoms

Symptoms of nephrotic syndrome may include:

• Swelling (edema) around the eyes, ankles, feet, and abdomen.
• Foamy urine due to excessive protein (proteinuria).
• Weight gain from fluid retention.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Loss of appetite.
• Elevated blood cholesterol levels.

Complications

Complications associated with nephrotic syndrome include:

• Increased susceptibility to infections, especially in children.
• Blood clots due to loss of proteins that help prevent clotting.
• Malnutrition and poor growth in children due to protein loss.

Treatment

Treatment of nephrotic syndrome aims to reduce proteinuria, control symptoms, and manage underlying causes:

• Medications: Including corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs, and medications to lower cholesterol levels.
• Dietary Changes: Limiting salt and fluid intake, and sometimes reducing dietary cholesterol and fat.
• Diuretics: To help reduce edema by increasing urine output.
• Management of Underlying Conditions: Treating conditions such as diabetes or lupus that contribute to nephrotic syndrome.

Nephrotic syndrome requires careful management and monitoring by healthcare professionals to prevent complications and preserve kidney function. If you or someone you know shows symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, prompt medical evaluation is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.