BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuNephrotic syndromeNephrosisNephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms and abnormal test results that include protein in the urine, low blood protein levels in the blood, high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, increased blood clot risk, and swelling.Protein in the urineThe urine protein dipstick test measures the presence of all proteins, including albumin, in a urine sample. Albumin and protein can also be measured...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High cholesterol levelsCholesterol is a fat (also called a lipid) that your body needs to work properly. Too much bad cholesterol in your blood can increase your chance of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Nephrotic syndrome is caused by different disorders that damage the kidneys. This damage leads to the release of too much protein in the urine.The most common cause in children is minimal change disease. Membranous glomerulonephritis is the most common cause in adults. In both diseases, the glomeruli in the kidneys are damaged. Glomeruli are the structures that help filter wastes and fluids.Minimal change diseaseMinimal change disease is a kidney disorder that can lead to nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that include protein in t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Membranous glomerulonephritisMembranous nephropathy is a kidney disorder that leads to changes and inflammation of the structures inside the kidney that help filter wastes and fl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / This condition can also occur due to:Cancer CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Diseases such as diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple myeloma, and amyloidosis DiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple myelomaMultiple myeloma is a blood cancer that starts in the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside most bone...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AmyloidosisPrimary amyloidosis is a rare disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic disorders Immune disorders Infections (such as strep throat, hepatitis, or mononucleosis) Strep throatStrep throat is a disease that causes a sore throat (pharyngitis). It is an infection with a bacteria called group A streptococcus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HepatitisHepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MononucleosisMononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use of certain drugsIt can occur with kidney disorders such as:Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis Segmental glomerulosclerosisFocal segmental glomerulosclerosis is scar tissue in the filtering unit of the kidney. This structure is called the glomerulus. The glomeruli serve...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Glomerulonephritis GlomerulonephritisGlomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease in which the part of your kidneys that helps filter waste and fluids from the blood is damaged....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritisNephrotic syndrome can affect all age groups. In children, it is most common between ages 2 and 6. This disorder occurs slightly more often in males than females. Symptoms Swelling (edema) is the most common symptom. It may occur:SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article In the face and around the eyes (facial swelling) Facial swellingFacial swelling is the buildup of fluid in the tissues of the face. Swelling may also affect the neck and upper arms.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article In the arms and legs, especially in the feet and ankles In the belly area (swollen abdomen)Swollen abdomenA swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms include:Skin rash or sores RashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Foamy appearance of the urine Poor appetite Poor appetiteA decreased appetite is when your desire to eat is reduced. The medical term for a loss of appetite is anorexia.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Weight gain (unintentional) from fluid retention Weight gain (unintentional)Unintentional weight gain is when you gain weight without trying to do so and you are not eating or drinking more.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SeizuresSeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. Laboratory tests will be done to see how well the kidneys are working. They include:Albumin blood test AlbuminAlbumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood. Albumin c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood chemistry tests, such as basic metabolic panel or comprehensive metabolic panel Basic metabolic panelThe basic metabolic panel is a group of blood tests that provides information about your body's metabolism.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Comprehensive metabolic panelA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) Blood urea nitrogenBUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. A test can be done to measure the amount of urea nitrogen ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Creatinine - blood test Creatinine - blood testThe creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Creatinine clearance - urine test Creatinine clearance - urine testThe creatinine urine test measures the amount of creatinine in urine. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article UrinalysisUrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fats are often also present in the urine. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be high.A kidney biopsy may be needed to find the cause of the disorder.Kidney biopsyA kidney biopsy is the removal of a small piece of kidney tissue for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests to rule out various causes may include the following:Antinuclear antibody Antinuclear antibodyThe antinuclear antibody panel is a blood test that looks at antinuclear antibodies (ANA). ANA are antibodies produced by the immune system that bind...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cryoglobulins CryoglobulinsCryoglobulins are antibodies that become solid or gel-like at low temperatures in the laboratory. This article describes the blood test used to chec...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complement levels Complement levelsComplement is a blood test that measures the activity of certain proteins in the liquid portion of your blood. The complement system is a group of ne...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Glucose tolerance test Glucose tolerance testThe glucose tolerance test is a lab test to check how your body moves sugar from the blood into tissues like muscle and fat. The test is often used ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis B antigen Hepatitis C antibodies HIV test HIV testIn general, testing for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a 2-step process that involves a screening test and follow-up tests often called co...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatoid factor Rheumatoid factorRheumatoid factor (RF) is a blood test that measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) Serum protein electrophoresisThis lab test measures the types of protein in the fluid (serum) part of a blood sample. This fluid is called serum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Syphilis serology Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP)Urine protein electrophoresisThe urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) test is used to estimate how much of certain proteins are in the urine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article This disease may also change the results of the following tests:Vitamin D level Serum iron Serum ironA serum iron test measures how much iron is in your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urinary castsUrinary castsUrinary casts are tiny tube-shaped particles that can be found when urine is examined under the microscope during a test called urinalysis. Urinary c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and delay kidney damage. To control nephrotic syndrome, the disorder that is causing it must be treated. You may need treatment for life.Kidney damageInjury to the kidney and ureter is damage to the organs of the upper urinary tract.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatments may include any of the following:Keeping blood pressure at or below 130/80 mm Hg to delay kidney damage. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are the medicines most often used. ACE inhibitors and ARBs may also help decrease the amount of protein lost in the urine. Corticosteroids and other drugs that suppress or quiet the immune system. Treating high cholesterol to reduce the risk for heart and blood vessel problems -- A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is usually not enough for people with nephrotic syndrome. Medicines to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (usually statins) may be needed. A low-sodium diet may help with swelling in the hands and legs. Water pills (diuretics) may also help with this problem. Low-sodium dietToo much sodium in your diet can be bad for you. If you have high blood pressure or heart failure, you may be asked to limit the amount of salt (whi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Low-protein diets may be helpful. Your provider may suggest a moderate-protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day). Taking vitamin D supplements if nephrotic syndrome is long-term and is not responding to treatment. Vitamin DVitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fatty tissue and liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Taking blood thinner drugs to treat or prevent blood clots. Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome varies. Some people recover from the condition. Others develop long-term kidney disease and need dialysis and eventually a kidney transplant.DialysisDialysis treats end-stage kidney disease also called kidney failure. It removes waste from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do their job. ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney transplantA kidney transplant is surgery to place a healthy kidney into a person with kidney failure.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Possible Complications Health problems that may result from nephrotic syndrome include:Acute kidney failure Acute kidney failureAcute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hardening of the arteries and related heart diseases Hardening of the arteriesAtherosclerosis, sometimes called "hardening of the arteries," occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic kidney disease Chronic kidney diseaseChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fluid overload, heart failure, fluid buildup in lungs Heart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fluid buildup in lungsPulmonary edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs. This buildup of fluid leads to shortness of breath.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections, including pneumococcal pneumonia PneumoniaPneumonia is a breathing (respiratory) condition in which there is an infection of the lung. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Malnutrition MalnutritionMalnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Renal vein thrombosisRenal vein thrombosisRenal vein thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in the vein that drains blood from the kidney.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You or your child develops symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, including swelling in face, belly, or arms and legs, or skin sores You or your child are being treated for nephrotic syndrome, but symptoms don't improve New symptoms develop, including cough, decreased urine output, discomfort with urination, fever, severe headacheCoughCoughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HeadacheA headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have seizures.SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention Treating conditions that can cause nephrotic syndrome may help prevent the syndrome.Open ReferencesReferencesErkan E. Nephrotic syndrome. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 545.Radhakrishnan J, Stokes MB. Glomerular disorders and nephrotic syndromes. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 107.Saha MK, Pendergraft WF, Jennette JC, Falk RJ. Primary glomerular disease. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 31.AllVideoImagesTogKidney anatomy - illustration The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production.Kidney anatomyillustrationGlomerulus and nephron - illustration The kidneys remove excess fluid and waste from your body. Blood is filtered in the kidneys through nephrons. Each nephron contains a network of small blood vessels, called glomerulus, which are enclosed in a sac called Bowman's capsule. The filtered waste product (urine) flows through tiny tubes and is then passed from the kidneys to the bladder through bigger tubes called ureters.Glomerulus and nephronillustrationKidney anatomy - illustration The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production.Kidney anatomyillustrationGlomerulus and nephron - illustration The kidneys remove excess fluid and waste from your body. Blood is filtered in the kidneys through nephrons. Each nephron contains a network of small blood vessels, called glomerulus, which are enclosed in a sac called Bowman's capsule. The filtered waste product (urine) flows through tiny tubes and is then passed from the kidneys to the bladder through bigger tubes called ureters.Glomerulus and nephronillustrationRelated Information Urine protein dipstick test(Medical Test)Swelling(Symptoms)Minimal change disease(Condition)Membranous nephropathy(Condition)Malignancy(Special Topic)Diabetes(Condition)Systemic lupus erythematosus(Condition)Multiple myeloma(Condition)Primary amyloidosis(Condition)Glomerulonephritis(Condition)Diabetes - type 1 - InDepth(In-Depth)Systemic lupus erythematosus - InDepth(In-Depth)Pneumonia - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 8/28/2023 Reviewed By: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Nephrotic syndromeNephrosisNephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms and abnormal test results that include protein in the urine, low blood protein levels in the blood, high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, increased blood clot risk, and swelling.Protein in the urineThe urine protein dipstick test measures the presence of all proteins, including albumin, in a urine sample. Albumin and protein can also be measured...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article High cholesterol levelsCholesterol is a fat (also called a lipid) that your body needs to work properly. Too much bad cholesterol in your blood can increase your chance of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes Nephrotic syndrome is caused by different disorders that damage the kidneys. This damage leads to the release of too much protein in the urine.The most common cause in children is minimal change disease. Membranous glomerulonephritis is the most common cause in adults. In both diseases, the glomeruli in the kidneys are damaged. Glomeruli are the structures that help filter wastes and fluids.Minimal change diseaseMinimal change disease is a kidney disorder that can lead to nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that include protein in t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Membranous glomerulonephritisMembranous nephropathy is a kidney disorder that leads to changes and inflammation of the structures inside the kidney that help filter wastes and fl...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / This condition can also occur due to:Cancer CancerCancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. Cancerous cells are also called malignant cells.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Diseases such as diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple myeloma, and amyloidosis DiabetesDiabetes is a long-term (chronic) disease in which the body cannot regulate the amount of sugar in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple myelomaMultiple myeloma is a blood cancer that starts in the plasma cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside most bone...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article AmyloidosisPrimary amyloidosis is a rare disorder in which abnormal proteins build up in tissues and organs. Clumps of the abnormal proteins are called amyloid...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Genetic disorders Immune disorders Infections (such as strep throat, hepatitis, or mononucleosis) Strep throatStrep throat is a disease that causes a sore throat (pharyngitis). It is an infection with a bacteria called group A streptococcus.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HepatitisHepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article MononucleosisMononucleosis, or mono, is a viral infection that causes fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, most often in the neck.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use of certain drugsIt can occur with kidney disorders such as:Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis Segmental glomerulosclerosisFocal segmental glomerulosclerosis is scar tissue in the filtering unit of the kidney. This structure is called the glomerulus. The glomeruli serve...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Glomerulonephritis GlomerulonephritisGlomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease in which the part of your kidneys that helps filter waste and fluids from the blood is damaged....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritisNephrotic syndrome can affect all age groups. In children, it is most common between ages 2 and 6. This disorder occurs slightly more often in males than females. Symptoms Swelling (edema) is the most common symptom. It may occur:SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article In the face and around the eyes (facial swelling) Facial swellingFacial swelling is the buildup of fluid in the tissues of the face. Swelling may also affect the neck and upper arms.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article In the arms and legs, especially in the feet and ankles In the belly area (swollen abdomen)Swollen abdomenA swollen abdomen is when your belly area is bigger than usual.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Other symptoms include:Skin rash or sores RashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Foamy appearance of the urine Poor appetite Poor appetiteA decreased appetite is when your desire to eat is reduced. The medical term for a loss of appetite is anorexia.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Weight gain (unintentional) from fluid retention Weight gain (unintentional)Unintentional weight gain is when you gain weight without trying to do so and you are not eating or drinking more.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article SeizuresSeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. Laboratory tests will be done to see how well the kidneys are working. They include:Albumin blood test AlbuminAlbumin is a protein made by the liver. A serum albumin test measures the amount of this protein in the clear liquid portion of the blood. Albumin c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood chemistry tests, such as basic metabolic panel or comprehensive metabolic panel Basic metabolic panelThe basic metabolic panel is a group of blood tests that provides information about your body's metabolism.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Comprehensive metabolic panelA comprehensive metabolic panel is a group of blood tests. They provide an overall picture of your body's chemical balance and metabolism. Metaboli...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) Blood urea nitrogenBUN stands for blood urea nitrogen. Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down. A test can be done to measure the amount of urea nitrogen ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Creatinine - blood test Creatinine - blood testThe creatinine blood test measures the level of creatinine in the blood. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Creatinine clearance - urine test Creatinine clearance - urine testThe creatinine urine test measures the amount of creatinine in urine. This test is done to see how well your kidneys are working. Creatinine in the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article UrinalysisUrinalysisUrinalysis is the physical, chemical, and microscopic examination of urine. It involves a number of tests to detect and measure various compounds th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fats are often also present in the urine. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be high.A kidney biopsy may be needed to find the cause of the disorder.Kidney biopsyA kidney biopsy is the removal of a small piece of kidney tissue for examination.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tests to rule out various causes may include the following:Antinuclear antibody Antinuclear antibodyThe antinuclear antibody panel is a blood test that looks at antinuclear antibodies (ANA). ANA are antibodies produced by the immune system that bind...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cryoglobulins CryoglobulinsCryoglobulins are antibodies that become solid or gel-like at low temperatures in the laboratory. This article describes the blood test used to chec...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Complement levels Complement levelsComplement is a blood test that measures the activity of certain proteins in the liquid portion of your blood. The complement system is a group of ne...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Glucose tolerance test Glucose tolerance testThe glucose tolerance test is a lab test to check how your body moves sugar from the blood into tissues like muscle and fat. The test is often used ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatitis B antigen Hepatitis C antibodies HIV test HIV testIn general, testing for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a 2-step process that involves a screening test and follow-up tests often called co...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Rheumatoid factor Rheumatoid factorRheumatoid factor (RF) is a blood test that measures the amount of the RF antibody in the blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) Serum protein electrophoresisThis lab test measures the types of protein in the fluid (serum) part of a blood sample. This fluid is called serum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Syphilis serology Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP)Urine protein electrophoresisThe urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) test is used to estimate how much of certain proteins are in the urine.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article This disease may also change the results of the following tests:Vitamin D level Serum iron Serum ironA serum iron test measures how much iron is in your blood.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Urinary castsUrinary castsUrinary casts are tiny tube-shaped particles that can be found when urine is examined under the microscope during a test called urinalysis. Urinary c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and delay kidney damage. To control nephrotic syndrome, the disorder that is causing it must be treated. You may need treatment for life.Kidney damageInjury to the kidney and ureter is damage to the organs of the upper urinary tract.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatments may include any of the following:Keeping blood pressure at or below 130/80 mm Hg to delay kidney damage. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are the medicines most often used. ACE inhibitors and ARBs may also help decrease the amount of protein lost in the urine. Corticosteroids and other drugs that suppress or quiet the immune system. Treating high cholesterol to reduce the risk for heart and blood vessel problems -- A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is usually not enough for people with nephrotic syndrome. Medicines to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (usually statins) may be needed. A low-sodium diet may help with swelling in the hands and legs. Water pills (diuretics) may also help with this problem. Low-sodium dietToo much sodium in your diet can be bad for you. If you have high blood pressure or heart failure, you may be asked to limit the amount of salt (whi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Low-protein diets may be helpful. Your provider may suggest a moderate-protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day). Taking vitamin D supplements if nephrotic syndrome is long-term and is not responding to treatment. Vitamin DVitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fatty tissue and liver.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Taking blood thinner drugs to treat or prevent blood clots. Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome varies. Some people recover from the condition. Others develop long-term kidney disease and need dialysis and eventually a kidney transplant.DialysisDialysis treats end-stage kidney disease also called kidney failure. It removes waste from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do their job. ...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Kidney transplantA kidney transplant is surgery to place a healthy kidney into a person with kidney failure.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Possible Complications Health problems that may result from nephrotic syndrome include:Acute kidney failure Acute kidney failureAcute kidney failure is the rapid (less than 2 days) loss of your kidneys' ability to remove waste and help balance fluids and electrolytes in your b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hardening of the arteries and related heart diseases Hardening of the arteriesAtherosclerosis, sometimes called "hardening of the arteries," occurs when fat, cholesterol, and other substances build up in the walls of arteries. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chronic kidney disease Chronic kidney diseaseChronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time. The main job of the kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from the body...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fluid overload, heart failure, fluid buildup in lungs Heart failureHeart failure is a condition in which the heart is no longer able to pump oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body efficiently. This causes symptom...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fluid buildup in lungsPulmonary edema is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the lungs. This buildup of fluid leads to shortness of breath.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections, including pneumococcal pneumonia PneumoniaPneumonia is a breathing (respiratory) condition in which there is an infection of the lung. This article covers community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Malnutrition MalnutritionMalnutrition is the condition that occurs when your body does not get enough nutrients.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Renal vein thrombosisRenal vein thrombosisRenal vein thrombosis is a blood clot that develops in the vein that drains blood from the kidney.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if:You or your child develops symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, including swelling in face, belly, or arms and legs, or skin sores You or your child are being treated for nephrotic syndrome, but symptoms don't improve New symptoms develop, including cough, decreased urine output, discomfort with urination, fever, severe headacheCoughCoughing is an important way to keep your throat and airways clear. But too much coughing may mean you have a disease or disorder. Some coughs are d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article HeadacheA headache is pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck. Serious causes of headaches are rare. Most people with headaches can feel much better...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have seizures.SeizuresA seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Prevention Treating conditions that can cause nephrotic syndrome may help prevent the syndrome.Open ReferencesReferencesErkan E. Nephrotic syndrome. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 545.Radhakrishnan J, Stokes MB. Glomerular disorders and nephrotic syndromes. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 107.Saha MK, Pendergraft WF, Jennette JC, Falk RJ. Primary glomerular disease. In: Yu ASL, Chertow GM, Luyckx VA, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Taal MW, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 31.