Definition
Nephrotic syndrome is a disorder of the kidneys. It may result in:
- High amounts of protein in the urine
- High cholesterol in the blood
- Swelling in the body—mainly in the feet and legs
- Low levels of a certain protein in the blood
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Causes
Tiny filters in the kidneys remove waste from the blood and makes urine. If they are not working well, wastes and fluids build up in the body.
The most common cause is damage from kidney problems such as:
- Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
- Membranous nephropathy
- Glomerulonephritis
- IgA nephropathy
- Minimal change disease
Other causes are problems that harm the kidneys such as:
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Buildup of certain proteins—amyloidosis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Certain infections such as HIV
- Sickle cell disease
- Some cancers
Risk Factors
The risk of this problem is higher in people who have:
- Any of the health problems that cause the condition
- Used certain medicines for a long time
- Contact with certain toxins
- Health problems that slow blood flow
Symptoms
Symptoms may be:
- Swelling of feet, ankles, and legs—less often belly, hands, and face
- Feeling tired
- Not feeling hungry
- Weight gain
- Foamy urine
- Breathing problems
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done.
Blood and urine tests will be done to check kidney function. Results can make the diagnosis.
Other tests will be done to look for a cause. You may need to see a doctor who treats kidney diseases.
Treatment
In some people, nephrotic syndrome goes away on its own. In others, the cause will need to be treated. Options are:
- Diet changes
-
Medicines to lower:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Fluid buildup
- Protein in the urine
- Dialysis to filter blood when the kidneys cannot
RESOURCES
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases https//www.niddk.nih.gov
National Kidney Foundation https://www.kidney.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
The Kidney Foundation of Canada https://www.kidney.ca
References
Kakar S, Kumar V, Singh R. Latest research progress on acute nephrotic syndrome. J Acute Dis. 2017;6:255-259.
Nephrotic syndrome. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/nephrotic. Accessed January 4, 2021.
Nephrotic syndrome in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/nephrotic-syndrome-in-adults. Accessed January 4, 2021.
Nephrotic syndrome in adults. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/nephrotic-syndrome-adults. Accessed January 4, 2021.
Overview of nephrotic syndrome. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/glomerular-disorders/overview-of-nephrotic-syndrome#v1056004. Accessed January 4, 2021.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Adrienne Carmack, MD
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 01/04/2021