Nephrology

What is Nephrotic Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Wani May 30, 2024

Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes your body to pass too much protein in your urine. Nephrotic syndrome is usually caused by damage to the nephron in your kidneys that filter waste and excess water from your blood. The condition causes swelling of the face, feet and legs.

Signs And Symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome Include:

Severe swelling (edema), particularly around your eyes and in your ankles and feet
Foamy urine, a result of excess protein in your urine
Weight gain due to fluid retention

Risk Factors

factors that can increase your risk of nephrotic syndrome include:

Medical conditions that can damage your kidneys. Certain diseases and conditions increase your risk of developing nephrotic syndrome, such as lupus, amyloidosis, reflux nephropathy and other kidney diseases.

Certain medications: Medications that might cause nephrotic syndrome include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs used to fight infections.
Certain infections: Infections that increase the risk of nephrotic syndrome include HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and malaria.

Possible Complications of Nephrotic Syndrome Include:

High blood cholesterol and elevated blood triglycerides.
Poor nutrition Blood clots.
High blood pressure.
Acute kidney injury,
chronic kidney disease,
infections

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose nephrotic syndrome include:

Urine tests: A urinalysis can reveal abnormalities in your urine, such as large amounts of protein. You might be asked to collect urine samples over 24 hours.
Blood tests: A blood test can show low levels of the protein albumin and often decreased levels of blood protein overall. Loss of albumin is often associated with an increase in blood cholesterol and blood triglycerides. The creatinine and urea nitrogen levels in your blood also might be measured to assess your overall kidney function.
Kidney biopsy: Your doctor might recommend removing a small sample of kidney tissue for testing. During a kidney biopsy, a needle is inserted through your skin and into your kidney. Kidney tissue is collected and sent to a lab for testing.

Treatment

Treatment for nephrotic syndrome: Involves treating any medical condition that might be causing your nephrotic syndrome. Your doctor might also recommend medications and changes in your diet to help control your signs and symptoms or treat complications of nephrotic syndrome.
Immune system-suppressing medications: Medications to control the immune system, such as corticosteroids, can decrease the inflammation that accompanies some of the conditions that can cause nephrotic syndrome.

Medications include rituximab ,cyclosporine, tacrolimus and cyclophosphamide.