Disorders of ECF Volume: Nephrotic Syndrome Mnemonics

Question 1

What does the mnemonic ‘FILLED’ represent in the pathophysiology of edema in Nephrotic Syndrome?

Answer 1

F: Fluid shifts (Underfill theory)
I: Intrarenal Na⁺ retention (Overfill theory)
L: Low albumin (Hypoalbuminemia)
L: Leaky capillaries (↑ vascular permeability)
E: NaC activation (Plasmin-mediated)
D: Dysregulated hormones (RAAS, ANP resistance)

Each letter corresponds to a key factor contributing to edema in Nephrotic Syndrome.

Question 2

What are the classic features of Nephrotic Syndrome represented by the mnemonic ‘PHAT LEGS’?

Answer 2

P: Proteinuria (>3.5 g/day)
H: Hypoalbuminemia
A: Ascites (or Anasarca)
T: Thrombosis (hypercoagulability)
L: Lipiduria
E: Edema
G: Growth retardation (in children)
S: Statin-needed (Hyperlipidemia)

This mnemonic helps to remember the key clinical features of Nephrotic Syndrome.

Question 3

What causes of Nephrotic Syndrome in adults are represented by the mnemonic ‘MOST Diabetic Kids’?

Answer 3

M: Membranous nephropathy (#1 in adults)
O: Other (Amyloidosis, FSGS)
S: Systemic (SLE, DM)
T: Toxins (NSAIDs, gold)
D: Diabetes (DN)
K: Kidney-specific (Minimal Change Disease in kids)

This mnemonic highlights various causes of Nephrotic Syndrome in adults.

Question 4

What is the treatment approach for Nephrotic Syndrome as per the mnemonic ‘A-DRESS Nephrosis’?

Answer 4

A: ACE-I/ARB (↓ proteinuria)
D: Diuretics (Loop + Amiloride/Spironolactone)
R: Restrict Na⁺/Protein (if albumin <2 g/dL)
E: Evaluate volume (FEₙₐ, K⁺/[K⁺+Na⁺] ratio)
S: Steroids/Immunosuppressants (treat cause)
S: Statins (for hyperlipidemia)

This mnemonic outlines the recommended treatment strategies for managing Nephrotic Syndrome.

Question 5

What should be avoided in the treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome as per the mnemonic ‘A-DRESS Nephrosis’?

Answer 5

N: NSAIDs
E: Excess diuresis (↑ AKI risk)
P: Protein overload

These are treatments or actions that should be avoided to prevent complications in Nephrotic Syndrome.

Question 6

What does the mnemonic ‘VAC HIV’ represent in the serology workup for Nephrotic Syndrome?

Answer 6

V: VDRL (minimal change/membranous)
A: ASO (post-streptococcal GN)
C: Complements (C3/C4)
H: HIV/Hepatitis B/C
A: ANCA (cANCA/pANCA for vasculitis)

This mnemonic is used to remember the key serological tests in the evaluation of Nephrotic Syndrome.

Question 7

What key labs are identified by the mnemonic ‘UP-CARD’ in Nephrotic Syndrome?

Answer 7

U: Urine Protein (>3.5 g/day)
P: Plasma Albumin (↓ <3 g/dL)
C: Cholesterol (↑)
A: Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)
R: Renal Function (BUN/Cr)
D: Dipstick (Lipiduria, Foamy urine)

This mnemonic summarizes the essential laboratory findings in Nephrotic Syndrome.

Question 8

What complications of Nephrotic Syndrome are represented by the mnemonic ‘HATED’?

Answer 8

H: Hypercoagulability (Thrombosis)
A: Acute Kidney Injury
T: Infections (Pneumococcal, UTI)
E: Electrolyte imbalances (Na⁺/K⁺)
D: Dyslipidemia

This mnemonic helps to recall the potential complications associated with Nephrotic Syndrome.