Caring for your child at home
If your child has been diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, you will need to monitor their condition on a daily basis to check for signs of relapses.
You will need to use a dipstick to test your child's urine for protein the first time they urinate each day
The result for each day will need to be written down in a diary for your doctor to review during your outpatient appointments.
You should also note down the dose of any medication they are taking and any other comments, such as whether your child is feeling unwell
If the dipstick shows +++ or more of protein in the urine for three days in a row, this means your child is having a relapse.
If this happens, you either need to follow the advice given about starting steroids or contact your doctor.
You should seek immediate medical advice if:
• your child has come into contact with someone who has chickenpox or measles
• your child is puffy, unwell or has a fever
• your child has diarrhoea and is vomiting
Treating congenital nephrotic syndrome
If your child has congenital nephrotic syndrome, they will need frequent albumin infusions to help them grow and develop normally. This will often require a stay in hospital.
Sometimes, parents can be trained to administer the treatment at home and your child will be regularly reviewed in a clinic, where their blood pressure, growth, weight, kidney function and bone health will be monitored.
It can be difficult for parents to decide which option is best, so you should talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of hospital-based and home-based treatment.