Nephrotic syndrome is a condition caused by excessive amounts of a protein called albumin passing from the body into the urine. While it is also known as various symptoms and signs that occur as a result of damage to the kidneys, it can cause one or both kidneys to be damaged and unable to function. If left untreated, it can cause serious complications and is much more likely to occur in children than in adults. Treatment may include various medications and lifestyle changes.
Children with this syndrome have high levels of protein in their urine and low levels of protein in their blood. In addition, fat and cholesterol levels in the blood are also high.
What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?
Nephrotic syndrome causes typical symptoms in the body as a result of severe protein loss. Some of the signs and symptoms that may occur are as follows:
- Swelling and edema, especially around the eyes, ankles and feet
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Vitamin D deficiency and softening of bones
- Excessive foaming of urine
- Decreased protein level in the blood (hypoproteinemia)
- High blood lipids
- Hypertension
- Weak immune system and susceptibility to infections
What Causes Nephrotic Syndrome?
Nephrotic syndrome is caused by damage to the kidneys. These structures, called glomeruli, filter the blood passing through the kidneys and expel unnecessary substances through urine. They also filter the substances necessary for the body and leave them in the blood. As a result of damage to the glomeruli, excess protein cannot be removed from the body and causes some disorders.
While many diseases and conditions can cause damage to the glomerular structure, the conditions that can lead to this syndrome can be listed as follows:
Diabetic Kidney Disease: Diabetes can cause kidney damage affecting the glomeruli (diabetic nephropathy).
Minimal Change Disease: Known as a common cause of the syndrome in children. While it causes kidney dysfunction, kidney tissue is usually normal or near normal on examination.
Membranous Nephropathy: It develops as a result of thickening of the glomerular membranes. Although the exact cause of the thickening is unknown, research indicates that it is caused by other medical conditions such as hepatitis B, malaria, lupus and cancer.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A chronic inflammatory disease that can cause severe damage to the kidneys, along with many other organs of the body.
Amyloidosis: Caused by the buildup of amyloid proteins in the organs. This often damages the filtering system of the kidneys.
How is nephrotic syndrome diagnosed?
The diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is determined after some examinations and evaluations by a specialist doctor. This condition can be detected together with the patient's complaints, medical history and physical examination findings. Various tests and applications used in the diagnosis phase are as follows:
Urine Tests: It is performed to determine the amount of excess protein in the urine. In order to accurately determine this amount, it may be desirable to collect urine for 1 day and measure the collected urine.
Blood Tests: It is done to measure the levels of pretin, triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. Urea and creatinine levels are measured to evaluate general kidney function.
Kidney Biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue is taken and sent to a laboratory for testing.
How is nephrotic syndrome treated?
Nephrotic syndrome treatment is planned by a specialist doctor depending on the underlying causes of this condition. The physician may recommend some changes in the patient's current medications and dietary habits to control or treat the symptoms and signs of this condition.
Medications may be prescribed to help lower blood pressure and reduce the amount of protein lost in the urine. If the doctor deems it necessary, the person may be given blood pressure medications, medications to keep cholesterol levels at normal levels and diuretics.
Changes in eating habits are important to prevent kidney damage from occurring and progressing. Some diet plans, under the guidance of doctors and specialized dietitians, contribute to keeping symptoms under control.
