Diseases
nephrotic syndrome
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes the body to pass too much protein in your urine. Nephrotic syndrome is usually caused by damage to the clusters of small blood vessels in your kidneys that filter waste and excess water from your blood. The condition causes swelling, particularly in the feet and ankles, and increases the risk of other health problems.
Symptoms
- severe swelling (edema), particularly around the eyes and in the ankles and feet
- fatigue
- foamy urine, a result of excess protein in the urine
- weight gain due to fluid retention
- loss of appetite.
Causes
- nephrotic syndrome is usually caused by damage to the clusters of tiny blood vessels (glomeruli) of your kidneys.
- diabetic kidney disease. diabetes can lead to kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy) that affects the glomeruli.
- systemic lupus erythematosus. this chronic inflammatory disease can lead to serious kidney damage.
Risk factors
- certain diseases and conditions increase your risk of developing ns
- medications that might cause nephrotic syndrome include nsaids
- infections that increase the risk of nephrotic syndrome including hiv, hepatitis
Diagnosis
- blood tests.
- urine tests.
- kidney biopsy.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is nephrotic syndrome?
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes the body to pass too much protein in your urine. Nephrotic syndrome is usually caused by damage to the clusters of small blood vessels in your kidneys that filter waste and excess water from your blood. The condition causes swelling, particularly in the feet and ankles, and increases the risk of other health problems.
What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?
severe swelling (edema), particularly around the eyes and in the ankles and feet, fatigue, foamy urine, a result of excess protein in the urine, weight gain due to fluid retention, loss of appetite.
What causes nephrotic syndrome?
nephrotic syndrome is usually caused by damage to the clusters of tiny blood vessels (glomeruli) of your kidneys.; diabetic kidney disease. diabetes can lead to kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy) that affects the glomeruli.; systemic lupus erythematosus. this chronic inflammatory disease can lead to serious kidney damage.
Which medicines are used for nephrotic syndrome?
cyclophosphamide
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.