Nephrotic syndrome Flashcards
When does nephrotic syndrome occur?
When the basement membrane in the glomerulus becomes highly permeable to protein
What does the permeable basement membrane allow?
It allows proteins to leak from the blood into the urine
When is nephrotic syndrome most common in children?
Between 2-5 years old
How does nephrotic syndrome present?
Frothy urine
Generalised oedema
Pallor
What is the classic triad of symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?
- proteinuria (> 1 g/m^2 per 24 hours)
- hypoalbuminaemia (< 25 g/l)
- oedema
What features occur in a patient with nephrotic syndrome?
- Deranged lipid profile
- High blood pressure
- Hyper-coagulability, with an increased tendency to form blood clots
What lipid profile would suggest nephrotic syndrome?
High levels of:
Cholesterol
Triglycerides
Low density lipoproteins
What is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children?
Minimal change disease
How does nephrotic syndrome present in minimal change disease?
It occurs in isolation, without any clear underlying condition or pathology.
What are underlying causes that nephrotic syndrome can occur secondary to?
It can occur secondary to:
- Intrinsic kidney disease
- Underlying systemic illness
What intrinsic kidney diseases can nephrotic syndrome occur secondary to?
- Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
* Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
What systemic illness can nephrotic syndrome occur secondary to?
- Henoch schonlein purpura (HSP)
- Diabetes
- Infection, such as HIV, hepatitis and malaria
What can be used to diagnose minimal change disease?
Urinalysis (analysis of the urine)
What might you see in the urine of someone with minimal change disease?
- Small molecular weight proteins
* Hyaline casts.
What is useless for the diagnosis of minimal change?
A renal biopsy and standard microscopy
