Nephrotic Syndrome

What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is not a specific disease but a group of symptoms and findings that may include:

• High levels of protein in the urine, called proteinuria
• Low levels of protein in the blood, called hypoalbuminemia
• Swelling, also called edema, in the body, especially around the stomach
• High cholesterol levels

Nephrotic syndrome occurs when small filters in the kidneys called glomeruli allow too much protein into the kidney. Complications can include:

• Risk of infection
• Blood clots
• High blood pressure
• Kidney problems

What are the signs and symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?

The first symptom of nephrotic syndrome is usually swelling around the child's eyes. Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling in other parts of the body, including the hands, feet, or stomach
• Tiredness
• Decreased appetite
• Foamy urine
• Blood in the urine

What causes nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is most often caused by a condition that damages the glomeruli, tiny filters in the kidneys. The most common of these conditions include:

• Minimal change disease is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. Experts don't know what causes it, but most children outgrow it by the time they are young adults.
• Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which can cause scarring of the glomeruli.
• Membranous nephropathy, an autoimmune disease.

Less commonly, nephrotic syndrome is caused by other types of conditions, such as infections, lupus, blood diseases and some medicines.

How is nephrotic syndrome treated?

In most cases, pediatric nephrotic syndrome is treated with steroid medicine. This treatment works for most children with nephrotic syndrome. If steroids do not work, your child's doctor may prescribe medicines to suppress the immune system. Your team at Arkansas Children's is experienced in all types of treatment for treatment of nephrotic syndrome in children and will work with you to come up with the best plan for your child.