| Nephrotic syndrome is a condition marked by very
high levels of protein in the urine; low levels of protein in the blood;
swelling, especially around the eyes, feet, and hands; and high
cholesterol. Nephrotic syndrome results from damage to the kidneys'
glomeruli (the singular form is glomerulus). Glomeruli are
tiny blood vessels that filter waste and excess water from the blood and
send them to the bladder as urine.
Nephrotic syndrome can occur with many diseases, including the kidney
diseases caused by diabetes mellitus, but some causes are unknown.
Prevention of nephrotic syndrome relies on controlling these diseases.
Treatment of nephrotic syndrome focuses on identifying the underlying
cause if possible and reducing high cholesterol, blood pressure, and
protein in urine through diet, medications, or both. One group of blood
pressure medications called ACE inhibitors also protects the kidneys in
diabetic patients.
Nephrotic syndrome may go away once the underlying cause, if known, has
been treated. In children, 80 percent of nephrotic syndrome cases are
caused by minimal change disease, which can be successfully treated with
prednisone. However, in adults most of the time a kidney disease is the
underlying cause, and these diseases cannot be cured. In these cases, the
kidneys may gradually lose their ability to filter wastes and excess water
from the blood. If kidney failure occurs, the patient will need dialysis
or a kidney transplant.
More information is available from
American Kidney Fund
6110 Executive Boulevard
Rockville, MD
20852
Tel: (800) 638-8299
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Information Center
P.O.
Box 30105
Bethesda, MD 20824-0105
Tel: (301) 592-8573
e-mail: mailto:nhlbiic@dgysys.com
National Kidney Foundation
30 East 33rd Street
New York, NY
10016
Tel: (800) 622-9010
|
