Nephrotic Syndrome - Symptoms and Treatment

Nephrotic syndrome is a disease in which the levels of protiens passed in the urine is quite high(proteinuria); low levels of protein in the blood; swelling, especially around the eyes, feet, and hands; and high cholesterol. Nephrotic syndrome can occur with many diseases, including the kidney diseases caused by diabetes mellitus, but some causes are unknown. Prevention of nephrotic syndrome relies on controlling these diseases It is the name given to a condition when large amounts of protein leak out into the urine. Normal urine should contain almost no protein. In nephrotic syndrome the leak is large enough so that the levels of protein in the blood fall.

Causes of Nephrotic Syndrome

The most common cause in children is minimal change disease , while membranous glomerulonephritis is the most common cause in adults.

1) Infection, drug exposure, malignancy (cancer), hereditary disorders,

2) Systemic lupus erythematosus , multiple myeloma , and amyloidosis .

3) It can accompany kidney disorders, including glomerulonephritis , focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis , and mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis.

Symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome

Following are symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome:

• Swelling
  • general
  • around the eyes
  • in the extremities, especially the feet and ankles
• Swollen abdomen
• Facial swelling
• Foamy appearance of the urine
• Weight gain (unintentional) from fluid retention
• Poor appetite
• High blood pressure

Treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome

Treatment methods for Nephrotic Syndrome:

1) Medications like Corticosteroid, immunosuppressive, antihypertensive, and diuretic medications may help to control symptoms

2) Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

3) Treatment of high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels is also recommended

4) High- protein diets are of debatable value