Nephrotic Syndrome - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Nephrotic Syndrome is not a simple kidney disease but a group of clinical manifestations . Follow us try to learn some details about nephrotic syndrome.
Causes
In New Zealand, the most common cause of the nephrotic syndrome is glomerulonephritis - a group of kidney diseases where the glomeruli become inflamed. Malfunction of the immune system is thought to be the underlying cause of glomerulonephritis. For some reason the immune system attacks and damages the glomeruli. The three most common forms of glomerulonephritis causing nephrotic syndrome are:
Minimal change nephropathy (also called minimal change disease).
Membranous glomerulonephritis.
Focal segmental glomerulonephritis.
There is also a form of the condition called congenital nephritic syndrome. This very rare form of the condition is genetic in origin and is present at birth. A wide range of other disorders (including diabetes mellitus and lupus) and factors such as toxins are less common causes of the nephrotic syndrome.
In children, nephrotic syndrome is normally detected between the age of 3 and 4 years old. The majority of children have the form of glomerulonephritis called minimal change nephropathy. This is where minimal or no glomerular abnormalities are noted by a microscope. This form of nephritic syndrome affects approximately 1 in 50,000 children. It can usually be successfully treated.
In adults, membranous glomerulonephritis and focal segmental glomerulonephritis are the most common causes of the nephrotic syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms include:
Foamy urine
Fatigue and weakness
Swelling (oedema) around the eyes, hands, feet, and abdomen
Loss of appetite
Increased weight from fluid retention
High protein levels in the urine and low protein levels in the blood
As the condition progresses there may be:
Susceptibility to infectious diseases due to an impaired immune system
An increased risk of blood clots (thrombosis)
Muscle wasting (due to the loss of protein)
Malnourishment
Weakening of the bones
Abnormally low or abnormally high blood pressure
High blood cholesterol levels
Kidney failure.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the condition and is aimed at alleviating symptoms and preventing complications.
Medications that reduce the effect of the immune system on the glomeruli are the mainstay of treatment. Medications to achieve this include steroids (eg: prednisone) and potent immune suppressant medications such as cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate and rituximab.
Medications to decrease high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol levels may also be prescribed.
The doctor may also recommend restricting fluid intake or may prescribe medications that increase the amount of urine produced (diuretics). These, along with bed rest, will help to reduce swelling.
The doctor or a dietitian may recommend a special diet aimed at controlling the amount of protein and salt in the body. Overall, it is important to maintain good health and nutrition and to ensure other medical conditions are treated promptly.
If you have any follow up questions, please contact us by emailing to igancure@hotmail.com or chatting with our online doctors, we will try our best to help you.