Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic Syndrome Causes
There are several causative factors for Nephrotic Syndrome. It may be the result of a disease limited to the kidney, which is known as primary nephrotic syndrome. Secondary nephritic syndrome is a condition that affects the kidney and other body parts.
Nephrotic Syndrome Definition
Nephrotic syndrome is a nonspecific disorder in which the kidneys are damaged instigating them to leak large protein amounts from the blood into the urine.
Nephrotic Syndrome Diagnosis
Diagnosis for Nephrotic Syndrome is usually achieved by following some or all of the following diagnostic procedures: * Urinalysis * Comprehensive Metabolic Panel * Cholesterol examination * Electrolytes, Urea, and Creatinine (EUCs) * Kidney biopsy * Autoimmune markers
Nephrotic Syndrome Symptoms and Signs
Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by: * Excessive serum proteins in the urine (proteinuria) * Low level of albumin in blood serum (hypoalbuminemia) * Abnormal levels of lipids and/or lipoproteins in the blood (hyperlipidemia) * Increased of fluid in any organ (edema) Edema is the most common sign of Nephrotic Syndrome. It may present as puffiness around the eyes, especially in the morning; pitting edema on the legs, presence of fluid in the pleural cavity, or ascites. Other less common presentations of the disease are: * Hypertension * Foamy urine * Rash associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Nephrotic Syndrome Treatment
Treatment for Nephrotic Syndrome includes supportive treatment, treatment of the specific underlying cause and dietary recommendations. Supportive treatment includes monitoring and maintaining amount of body fluid, monitoring function of the kidney, preventing complications, and treating any complication that starts to develop. Treating the underlying cause is achieved through administration of medications for the cause of the present condition. Dietary recommendations involve informing the patient what is and what is not allowed for food and fluid intake.
Drugs used for treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome
Aldactone
Azathioprine
Cytoxan