Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome
Microscopic image of diabetic glomerulosclerosis, the main cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults.
Specialty	Nephrology
Symptoms	Swelling, weight gain, feeling tired, foamy urine[1]
Complications	Blood clots, infections, high blood pressure[1]
Causes	Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, diabetes, lupus[1][2]
Diagnostic method	Urine testing, kidney biopsy[1]
Differential diagnosis	Nephritic syndrome, cirrhosis, severe malnutrition[2]
Treatment	Directed at underlying cause[1]
Frequency	5 per 100,000 per year[3][4]

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. Other symptoms may include weight gain, feeling tired, and foamy urine. Complications may include blood clots, infections, and high blood pressure.^[1]

Causes include a number of kidney diseases such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, and minimal change disease.^[1][2] It may also occur as a complication of diabetes, lupus, or amyloidosis. The underlying mechanism typically involves damage to the glomeruli of the kidney. Diagnosis is typically based on urine testing and sometimes a kidney biopsy.^[1] It differs from nephritic syndrome in that there are no red blood cells in the urine.^[2]

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause. Other efforts include managing high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and infection risk. A low-salt diet and limiting fluids are often recommended.^[1] About 5 per 100,000 people are affected per year.^[3][4] The usual underlying cause varies between children and adults.^[4]