Nephrotic Syndrome

Question 1

Define nephrotic syndrome.

Answer 1

Nephrotic syndrome is defined as the presence of proteinuria (>3.5 g/24 hours), hypoalbuminemia (<30 g/L), and peripheral oedema.

Question 2

Explain the aetiology/risk factors of nephrotic syndrome.

Answer 2

Diabetes
Lupus
Amyloidosis
Other kidney diseases.
NSAID use
HIV
Hepatitis B/C
Malaria

Question 3

Summarise the epidemiology of nephrotic syndrome.

Answer 3

Nephrotic syndrome is one of the most common chronic renal diseases in children. It has an incidence of 2 to 7 per 100,000 population and a prevalence of 16 per 100,000 population, well above the 1 per 1 million incidence of chronic renal failure in children.

Question 4

Recognise the presenting symptoms of nephrotic syndrome. Recognise the signs of nephrotic syndrome on physical examination.

Answer 4

Oedema
Foamy urine
Proteinuria
Weight gain due to excess fluid retention
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Xanthelasma
Xanthomata
Hypertension
Hepatomegaly

Question 5

Identify appropriate investigations for nephrotic syndrome and interpret the results.

Answer 5

Urine dipstick
Blood microscopy
FBC
U+Es
LFT
ESR
CRP
24 hour urine collection
Renal USS