Conditions Associated with Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome

Childhood nephrotic syndrome is a set of symptoms that affects children, leading to kidney disease and conditions. The kidney leaks protein into urine. This can produce body tissue swelling. Treatment will depend on the age of the afflicted. Signs include low levels of blood protein, high levels of urine protein, water retention leading to weight gain, less frequent urination, and a buildup of salt and water leading to swelling.

FSGS and MPGN

FSGS, or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and MPGN, or membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, are two of the most common reasons of damage to the glomeruli. 20 percent of childhood nephrotic syndrome patients have scarring or deposits in these blood filtering units. It is commonly treated with prednisone.

Minimal Change Disease

This is the most commonly associated condition. Kids with this have normal or almost normal biopsies of the kidneys. This is the "minimal change". This condition can be outgrown without permanent damage by the late teen years. With this type, treatment can be with prednisone, diuretics, or cytotoxic agents. The use of immunosuppressant drugs such as mycophenolate mofetil.

Congenital Nephropathy

This is rarely a cause of childhood nephrotic syndrome, but still causes some cases. The Finnish type, or CNF, is the most common form of congenital nephropathy. It is inherited by a recessive gene, needing to be inherited by both parents.

DMS

Diffuse mesagnial sclerosis is another cause, especially in the first months of life. It appears to be a genetic condition, but is not understood.

Source: National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse