How is nephrotic syndrome characterized?

Nephrotic syndrome is a hallmark of glomerular disease and characterized by the presence of proteinuria in excess of 3.5 g/24 h, hypoalbuminemia, and variable amounts of hyperlipidemia (hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia), lipiduria, and edema1 (Figure 1).

What is the first feature of nephrotic syndrome?

The first sign of nephrotic syndrome in children is usually swelling of the face; this is followed by swelling of the entire body. Adults can present with dependent edema. Foamy urine may be a presenting feature. Fatigue and loss of appetite are common symptoms.

What are the main clinical features of nephritic syndrome?

Common symptoms of nephritic syndrome are: Blood in the urine (urine appears dark, tea-colored, or cloudy) Decreased urine output (little or no urine may be produced) Swelling of the face, eye socket, legs, arms, hands, feet, abdomen, or other areas.

What is the most common complication of nephrotic syndrome?

Infections

Patients with NS are at increased risk for infections. Although the incidence of infections in NS has decreased in advanced countries, they are still a major problem in developing countries4). Sepsis remains one of the main causes of death in children with NS5).

What is the most common cause of nephritic syndrome?

Common causes are infections, immune system disorders and inflammation of the blood vessels. The main symptoms are passing less urine than normal, leading to a fluid buildup in the body, and having blood in the urine. People with nephritic syndrome also often develop high blood pressure.

How can you tell the difference between nephritic and nephrotic syndrome?

In nephritic syndrome, you’d expect urine sediment with red cells, white cells, and protein, but not to the same level as you see with nephrotic syndrome. The patient usually has a more prominent creatinine elevation and hypertension as well. That’s how you can remember the difference between nephrotic and nephritic.

What is the first indication of nephrotic syndrome in children?

You may see swelling around your child’s eyes in the morning. Often, that’s the first sign. As time passes, the swelling may last all day, and you may see swelling in your child’s ankles, feet or belly.

What’s the difference between nephrotic and nephritic syndrome?

What is the assessment for nephrotic syndrome?

A urinalysis can reveal abnormalities in your urine, such as large amounts of protein. You might be asked to collect urine samples over 24 hours. Blood tests. A blood test can show low levels of the protein albumin and often decreased levels of blood protein overall.

What is the first indication of nephrotic syndrome in children?

You may see swelling around your child’s eyes in the morning. Often, that’s the first sign. As time passes, the swelling may last all day, and you may see swelling in your child’s ankles, feet or belly.

What are differential diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome?

Common differential diagnoses of nephrotic syndrome include minimal change nephropathy, FSGS, membranous nephropathy, diabetic nephropathy, primary glomerular diseases (e.g., IgA nephropathy), fibrillary glomerulopathies (the most common being amyloidosis), lupus nephritis, and multiple myeloma (e.g., light-chain …

Why is there hyperlipidemia in nephrotic syndrome?

Hyperlipidemia is common in patients with the nephrotic syndrome. The main cause is probably increased hepatic lipogenesis, a non-specific reaction to falling oncotic pressure secondary to hypoalbuminemia.

What is the clinical presentation of a child with nephrotic syndrome?

Swelling around the eyes is the most common sign of nephrotic syndrome in children. The swelling is usually greater in the morning and, when mild, may be confused with seasonal allergies.

How many types of nephrotic syndrome are there?

There are thought to be two forms of nephrotic syndrome, minimal change disease (MCD) and focal sclerosis (FSGS).