Nephrotic Syndromes Flashcards
What is the typical appearance of urine in nephrotic syndrome?
Foamy urine due to proteinuria
What is the hallmark problem in nephrotic syndrome?
Proteinuria
Increased permeability of the glomerulus to plasma proteins
In normal physiology, how does the glomerulus prevent certain molecules and proteins from filtration?
Filters by size and charge. Particles that are too large will not get through.
Negatively charged proteins will not get through even if they are small enough (like albumin), due to two negatively charged layers on either side of the lamina densa
List some general symptoms of nephrotic syndrome
Massive proteinuria (>3.5 g/day)
Hypoalbuminemia
Generalized edema
Hyperlipidemia and lipiduria
What is the mechanism of hypoalbuminemia in nephrotic syndromes?
Loss of protein in the urine leads to hypoalbuminemia and a drop in plasma colloid osmotic pressure (causing edema)
What is the mechanism of hyperlipidemia in nephrotic syndromes?
Hypoalbuminemia triggers increased synthesis of lipoproteins in liver
What is the mechanism of lipiduria in nephrotic syndromes?
Due to the increased permeability of the glomerular basement membrane to lipoproteins
Membranous Nephropathy
Typical Clinical Presentation
Edema (ankle, periorbital)
Thrombosis (loss of antithrombin III)
Infections
Membranous Nephropathy
Etiology/Pathogenesis
In-situ immune complex formation
Could be due to antibodies against an “intrinsic” renal antigen or a “planted” antigen (that has lodged itself in the basement membrane)
Membranous Nephropathy
Where do the immune complexes have their reaction?
Basal surface of the podocytes (the distal zone of the capillary wall)
Membranous Nephropathy
Does it cause inflammation?
No!
Immune complex events in the proximal zone of the glomerular capillary wall are much more likely to cause inflammation, but Membranous Nephropathy affects the distal zone.
Membranous Nephropathy
Describe the appearance on silver stain and why.
Get a “spike and dome” or “holey” appearance
The podocytes are trying to form a new basement membrane, so they cause the spike and dome appearance
In older patients diagnosed with membranous nephropathy, what should you do in addition to treatment?
Rule out possible cancer, which could played a role in the immune complex deposition
What are the granular deposits of Membranous Nephropathy made of?
IgG + Complement
Membranous Nephropathy
Prognosis
33% spontaneous remission
33% will need dialysis
33% will have proteinuria without renal failure progression
Membranous Nephropathy
Treatment
Immunosuppressive drugs
Nonspecific antiproteinuric
Treat the underlying disease
Kidney transplant
Minimal Change Disease
What is the pathological origin?
Reversible podocyte injury
Derived from…
T cells, cytokines, immune depression, NSAIDs
Minimal Change Disease
Who is primarily affected?
Children 2-6yo
Minimal Change Disease
Clinical Presentation
Edema (periorbital, generalized)
Minimal Change Disease
What is seen on Light microscopy? Immunofluorescence?
Electron microscopy?
Light microscopy and IF look normal.
EM is most critical See effacement (fusion) of foot processes
What is a big difference between Minimal Change Disease and Membranous nephropathy?
Minimal Change Disease has no immune complex deposition!
Minimal Change Disease
Prognosis
Relapsing episodes of nephrotic syndrome
Resolution at puberty