Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a group of findings caused by excessive protein leakage through the kidney’s filtration barrier, including low blood albumin, swelling, and often elevated blood lipids.

Glomerular filtration barrier: The layered kidney filter that retains blood cells and most proteins while allowing water and small solutes to pass. Its impaired selectivity allows albumin and other proteins to escape into urine.
Minimal change disease: A glomerular disorder with podocyte injury and little visible change on routine light microscopy. It is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in children.
Urine protein-to-creatinine ratio: A urine test that estimates daily protein excretion from the ratio of protein to creatinine in a sample. It quantifies protein loss without requiring a timed urine collection.
Venous thromboembolism: Blood clots in veins, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Urinary loss of anticoagulant proteins and increased clotting factors raise thrombotic risk.
Nephritic syndrome: A pattern of glomerular inflammation marked by blood in urine, reduced filtration, and often hypertension. It contrasts with nephrotic syndrome’s dominant heavy protein loss and hypoalbuminemia.
Proteinuria: An abnormal amount of protein in urine, often reflecting damage to the kidney filtration barrier. Heavy proteinuria is the defining loss that drives the syndrome’s other findings.
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: A pattern of scarring affecting segments of some glomeruli. It is a common primary cause and can also develop secondary to other conditions.
Serum albumin: A blood test measuring the concentration of albumin, the most abundant plasma protein. A low result supports the syndrome and helps assess its severity.
Renal vein thrombosis: A blood clot obstructing the renal vein that drains a kidney. It is a distinctive thrombotic complication associated with nephrotic syndrome.
Albuminuria: The presence of an abnormal amount of albumin in urine. It is a broader finding; nephrotic syndrome entails a severe degree with systemic effects.

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