What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic Syndrome

What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is a sign that your kidneys aren't working right. As a result, you have:

  • High levels of protein in your urine.
  • Low levels of protein in your blood.

You may also have high levels of cholesterol in your blood.

Nephrotic syndrome isn't a disease. It's a warning that something is damaging your kidneys. Without treatment, that problem could cause kidney failure. So it's important to get treatment right away.

What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?

Symptoms may include:

  • Swelling around the eyes or in the feet or ankles. This is the most common symptom.
  • Fatigue.
  • Weight gain (from fluid buildup).
  • Foam when urinating.
  • Loss of appetite.

How is nephrotic syndrome diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose nephrotic syndrome using:

  • Urine tests to measure the amount of protein in your urine.
  • Blood tests to measure the amount of protein and cholesterol in your blood.
  • A kidney biopsy.

You may also have other tests to identify what is causing nephrotic syndrome.

How is nephrotic syndrome treated?

Treatment aims to reverse, slow, or prevent further kidney damage. The treatment you need depends on your age and what health problem is causing nephrotic syndrome.

Some people may not need medicine if they are at low risk for problems or are getting better on their own. Others may need medicines that decrease the body's immune system response. These include:

  • Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
  • Other immune-suppressing medicines, such as cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide.

Nephrotic syndrome can lead to other problems that may need treatment, including high blood pressure, blood clots, and high cholesterol or triglycerides. You might need medicines to treat these problems, such as:

  • Blood pressure medicines to lower blood pressure and help protect the kidneys.
  • Water pills (diuretics). These help reduce fluid buildup in the body and lower blood pressure.
  • Blood thinners to prevent blood clots.
  • Statins to reduce high cholesterol.

Young children who get treatment usually get better and have no lasting problems. Often treatment is not as successful in older children and adults. If your symptoms are severe or they come back, you may need treatment for months to years, or even for the rest of your life.

If treatment doesn't stop the kidney damage, you may develop chronic kidney disease.

How can you care for your child who has nephrotic syndrome?

Work with your doctor

  • If your doctor prescribed medicines, give them as prescribed. Keep giving them even after your child starts to feel better. Call your doctor if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
  • See the doctor regularly to have your child's kidney function checked.
  • Make sure your doctor knows about all the medicines, vitamins, or herbal supplements your child takes. This means anything your child takes with or without a prescription.
  • Make sure your child gets a flu shot each year. Your child should also get any other shots your doctor suggests.

Care for your child at home

  • Cut down on salt in your child's food. This can reduce the amount of water your child's body retains and can help treat the swelling.
  • Follow your doctor's advice for the amounts of protein and potassium your child needs.
  • Having nephrotic syndrome increases your child's risk for infections like peritonitis or respiratory and skin infections. Here are some tips to help your child stay healthy:
    • Wash your hands after changing diapers and before you touch food. Have your child wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating.
    • Avoid people who are sick.
    • Use mild soaps (such as Dove or Cetaphil).
    • Use moisturizing lotion after your child bathes. You can use it more often if the skin is dry. Choose a lotion with no alcohol.

Nephrotic syndrome in children: When to call

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

  • Your child has sudden, severe pain in the belly.

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your child has new or worse swelling.
  • Your child has trouble breathing.
  • Your child has a fever.
  • Your child has symptoms of a skin infection, such as:
    • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
    • Red streaks leading from the area.
    • Pus draining from the area.
    • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • Your child does not get better as expected.

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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.