Nephrotic Syndrome Flashcards
What are the associated risks for patients with Nephrotic Syndrome?
Patients with Nephrotic Syndrome have an increased risk of infection and hypercoagulation.
What are the primary and secondary causes of Nephrotic Syndrome in different age groups?
In children, Nephrotic Syndrome is most frequently caused by primary renal diseases, with the most common being Minimal Change Disease (MCD). In adults, it is often caused by secondary renal diseases.
What are the key features of Nephrotic Syndrome?
Nephrotic Syndrome is characterized by massive proteinuria (>3.5 gm / 24 hr), hypoproteinemia (plasma albumin < 3 gm / dL), generalized edema, and the presence of hyperlipidemia and lipiduria.
What differentiates Nephrotic Syndrome in children from that in adults?
In children, Nephrotic Syndrome is most frequently caused by primary renal diseases, with the most common being Minimal Change Disease (MCD). In contrast, in adults, it is often caused by secondary renal diseases.
What is the defining level of proteinuria in Nephrotic Syndrome?
The defining level of proteinuria in Nephrotic Syndrome is protein excretion exceeding 3.5 grams per 24 hours.
How does Nephrotic Syndrome lead to generalized edema?
The loss of plasma proteins, particularly albumin, due to massive proteinuria in Nephrotic Syndrome leads to reduced oncotic pressure, causing fluid to leak from blood vessels into tissues and resulting in generalized edema.
What is the connection between hyperlipidemia and Nephrotic Syndrome?
Nephrotic Syndrome leads to increased synthesis of lipoproteins in the liver, causing hyperlipidemia, which is often seen in these patients.
