Doctor's Notes on Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that results in protein lost in the urine (proteinuria) due to leaks in the filtering system of the kidney. Symptoms and signs of nephrotic syndrome may include
- fatigue,
- loss of appetite,
- bloating,
- fluid in the abdomen (ascites),
- swelling in extremities,
- foamy urine,
- generalized body swelling,
- puffy eyes (facial swelling),
- weight gain,
- high blood pressure,
- blood clots (hypercoagulability), and
- pleural effusions (fluid in the lungs).
The causes of nephrotic syndrome are numerous and variable. Almost any problem (such as trauma to the kidneys, certain drugs, diseases, or genetic makeup) that causes or allows damage to the glomeruli of the kidney can cause nephrotic syndrome. Primary causes (kidney diseases like focal glomerulosclerosis) and secondary causes are underlying problems. Examples include diabetes, lupus, heroin use, and genetic mutations (for example, congenital focal glomerulosclerosis).
What Are the Treatments for Nephrotic Syndrome?
Treatments vary. Treating the underlying cause is the usual approach, like the use of immune-suppressing drugs for autoimmune diseases, but symptom reduction treatments may also be done such as swelling reduction by using diuretics. Each person is different. Some medications used may include the following:
- Blood pressure medications like lisinopril, captopril, losartan
- Diuretics like furosemide, spironolactone
- Statins like atorvastatin, lovastatin
- Blood thinners like warfarin, rivaroxaban
- Immune system suppressors like rituximab, cyclosporine
Your doctor should perform individual treatments based on the underlying cause of the nephrotic syndrome.
Kidney Disease : Test Your Medical IQ Quiz

The only purpose of the kidneys is to filter blood.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Ascites
Ascites is an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (abdominal cavity). The primary cause of ascites is liver disease such as; cirrhosis, acute liver failure (Tylenol, acetaminophen overdose), Budd-Chiari syndrome, and cancer. Other causes of ascites include congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome, pancreatic disorders, diseases of the ovary, hypothyroidism, and direct irritation of the peritoneum. Symptoms of ascites include abdominal pain, shortness of breath, easy bruising, and edema (swelling). Treatment for ascites depends on the cause. -
Edema
Edema is a condition in which fluid builds up in tissues in certain parts of the body causing swelling, pain, redness, and soreness. There are various types of edema. The most common type is peripheral edema, which affects the arms, legs, ankles, and feet. Edema is caused by many diseases and health problems like water retention, lymphedema, blood clots in the leg. -
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common health complaint by individuals. Fatigue is also referred to as feeling weary, tired, exhausted, lethargic, and a lack of energy. There are several causes of fatigue from sleep disturbances to some diseases or conditions. Treatment of fatigue is generally directed toward the condition or disease causing fatigue. -
Pleural Effusion: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Complications
Pleural effusion is an excess of fluid between the two membranes that envelop the lungs. There are two classifications of causes of pleural effusion: transudate and exudate. The treatment of pleural effusion depends on the cause. -
Urine Test (Urinalysis)
Urinalysis (Urine Test UA) is a commonly ordered medical test to analyze urine. It may be used to diagnose, urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, to screen for kidney diseases, to monitor diabetes, or high blood pressure (hypertension). A urinalysis looks for white and red blood cells, epithelial cells, blood or protein in the urine, crystals, or bacteria, among other things.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.