Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a collection of symptoms due to kidney damage. This includes protein in the urine, low blood albumin levels, high blood lipids, and significant swelling.

Etiology.

•  Common primary causes of nephrotic syndrome include:
•  kidney diseases such as minimal-change nephropathy
•  membranous nephropathy
•  focal glomerulo sclerosis

Secondary causes include ;

• systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus,
•  lupus erythematosus
• amyloidosis.

Signs and symptoms of nephrotic syndrome include:

• Severe swelling (edema), particularly around your eyes and in your ankles and feet.
• Foamy urine, which may be caused by excess protein in your urine.
• Weight gain due to excess fluid retention.
• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite

Diagnostic Evaluation in Persons with Nephrotic Syndrome

Diagnostic studies	Disorder suggested
Random urine protein/creatinine ratio	Quantify degree of proteinuria (ratio greater than 3 to 3.5)
Serum creatinine	Rule out acute renal failure, assess glomerular filtration rate
Serum albumin	Assess degree of hypoalbuminemia