Nephrotic Syndrome is a kidney disorder characterized by excessive protein loss in the urine (proteinuria), low blood protein levels, high cholesterol, and swelling (edema). It is often caused by damage to the glomeruli—the tiny filtering units in the kidneys responsible for removing waste and excess fluids.
Understanding Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic Syndrome is not a disease itself but a clinical condition that arises due to various kidney disorders affecting the glomeruli. When the glomeruli are damaged, large amounts of protein leak into the urine, leading to fluid retention and increased risk of infections and blood clots.
Key Features of Nephrotic Syndrome
✔ Proteinuria – Excess protein in urine
✔ Hypoalbuminemia – Low blood albumin levels.
✔ Edema (Swelling) – Fluid retention, especially in legs, ankles, face, and abdomen.
✔ Hyperlipidemia – High cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
✔ Increased Blood Clot Risk – Due to loss of anticoagulant proteins.
Causes & Risk Factors
Nephrotic Syndrome can result from primary kidney diseases or systemic conditions affecting the kidneys.
Primary Kidney Diseases (Glomerular Disorders):
🔹 Minimal Change Disease (MCD) – Most common cause in children, involves abnormal glomerular permeability without visible structural damage.
🔹 Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) – Scarring of glomeruli, can lead to chronic kidney disease.
🔹 Membranous Nephropathy – Thickening of glomerular membranes, often caused by autoimmune conditions.
🔹 IgA Nephropathy (Berger’s Disease) – Immune system attack on kidney glomeruli.
Secondary Causes (Underlying Systemic Diseases):
✔ Diabetes Mellitus – Can cause Diabetic Nephropathy, a major cause of Nephrotic Syndrome.
✔ Lupus (SLE) – Autoimmune disorder leading to Lupus Nephritis.
✔ Infections – Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, and malaria can trigger glomerular damage.
✔ Medications & Toxins – NSAIDs, antibiotics, and illicit drugs may induce kidney injury.
✔ Genetic Disorders – Congenital conditions affecting kidney function.
Symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome
🔸 Severe swelling (edema) – In feet, legs, hands, face, and abdomen.
🔸 Foamy urine – Due to excessive protein loss.
🔸 Weight gain – Due to fluid retention.
🔸 Fatigue & Weakness – Caused by low blood protein levels.
🔸 Loss of appetite – Common due to swelling and metabolic disturbances.
🔸 Frequent infections – Due to loss of immune proteins in urine.
🔸 Blood clots (Thrombosis) – Increased clotting tendency.
Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent kidney damage and complications.
