Causes and Symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic Syndrome is a group of symptoms that include protein in the urine, low blood protein levels and swelling. A person's urine may also contain fat that is visible under a microscope. The term Nephrotic Syndrome originated in the early 20^th century.

The common cause of Nephrotic Syndrome in children is Minimal Change Disease. Minimal Change Disease is a disease of the kidney and it affects children between the ages of 2 to 3 years of age.

The common cause of Nephrotic Syndrome in adults is Membranous glomerulonephritis. This is a progressive disease that affects most patients between the ages of 30 to 50 years of age. Eighty-five percent of cases result from an unknown cause.

Nephrotic Syndrome can also be caused by postinfectios etiologies, collagen vascular disease, Henoch-Scholein purpura, hereditary nephritis, sickle cell disease, diabetes mellitus, amloidosis, malignancy and heroin use.

Nephrotic syndrome can also be caused by toxins such as bee stings, poison ivy, poison oak and snake venom. Medicinal causes include probenecid, fenoprofen, captopril, lithium, wafarin, penicillamine, mercury, gold, trimethadione and parametadione.

Secondary causes of Nephrotic Syndrome include group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, syphilis, malaria, tuberculosis and viral infections that include varicella, hepatitis B, HIV, and infectious mononucleosis.

The symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome include loss of appetite, a general feeling of illness, abdominal pain, wasting of muscles and frothy urine. An excess of sodium and water retention also causes puffy eyelids and tissue swelling including swelling in the knees. The abdomen may also become swollen and shortness of breath can occur. Men may have scrotum swelling.

Blood pressure is usually low and shock is also a possibility in children. Children's growth can be stunted. Their bones may lose calcium. Hair and nails can become brittle and their hair may fall out. The blood pressure in adults can vary between high, low and normal. Urine production may decrease and sudden kidney failure can occur.

Many tests are used to diagnose Nephrotic Syndrome. Tests include urine tests, blood tests and a renal biopsy. Urine tests are performed because the urine can show abnormal amounts of protein. Many blood tests are done in order to determine the exact cause of nephritic syndrome if it is present. A renal biopsy is standard procedure to find out what is causing the high levels of protein in the urine. Evaluating the tissue that is obtained during a renal biopsy will reveal the specific disorder.

Serious complications can arise from Nephrotic Syndrome. Complications include Hypoalbuminemia, Edema and lipid problems.

Hypoalbuminemia is low levels of albumin n the blood. Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood.

Edema results when the albumin loss results in extra salt and fluid retention by the kidneys. When this is combined with low protein in the blood and surrounding tissue causes fluid to build up underneath the skin.

Lipid problems occur as a result of the loss of proteins and good cholesterol in the urine. The liver causes the serum cholesterol and LDL levels to become elevated. Lipid problems increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Other complications of Nephrotic Syndrome include blood clots, infections and malnutrition.

Only two in every 10,000 people will experience Nephrotic Syndrome. However, these numbers are hard to decipher, because it is hard to establish the syndrome in adults due to underlying diseases.