Points to Remember
• Nephrotic syndrome includes the following:
o proteinuria—large amounts of protein in the urine
o hyperlipidemia—higher than normal fat and cholesterol levels in the blood
o edema, or swelling, usually in the legs, feet, or ankles and less often in the hands or face
o hypoalbuminia—low levels albumin in the blood
• Primary causes of nephrotic syndrome are diseases that affect only the kidneys, such as focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome are diseases that affect many parts of the body, such as diabetes.
• In addition to proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, edema, and hypoalbumina, people with nephrotic syndrome may experience
o weight gain
o fatigue
o foamy urine
o loss of appetite
• The loss of different proteins from the body can lead to a variety of complications in people with nephrotic syndrome.
• Treating nephrotic syndrome includes addressing the underlying cause and taking steps to reduce high blood pressure, edema, high cholesterol, and the risks of infection. Treatment usually includes medications and changes in diet.