Nephrotic Syndrome , Definition, Sign and symptoms, cause.....

i. Definition

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes your body to excrete too much protein in your urine.

Nephrotic syndrome is usually caused by damage to the clusters of small blood vessels in your kidneys that filter waste and excess water from your blood. Nephrotic syndrome causes swelling (edema), particularly in your feet and ankles, and increases the risk of other health problems.

Treatment for nephrotic syndrome includes treating the underlying condition that's causing it and taking medications. Nephrotic syndrome can increase your risk of infections and blood clots. Your doctor may recommend medications and dietary changes to prevent these and other complications of nephrotic syndrome.

ii. Sign and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of nephrotic syndrome include:

• Severe swelling (edema), particularly around your eyes and in your ankles and feet
• Foamy urine, which may be caused by excess protein in your urine
• Weight gain due to excess fluid retention

iii. Cause

Nephrotic syndrome is usually caused by damage to the clusters of tiny blood vessels (glomeruli) of your kidneys.

The glomeruli filter your blood as it passes through your kidneys, separating things your body needs from those it doesn't. Healthy glomeruli keep blood protein (mainly albumin) — which is needed to maintain the right amount of fluid in your body — from seeping into your urine. When damaged, glomeruli allow too much blood protein to leave your body, leading to nephrotic syndrome.

Many possible causes:

• Minimal change disease
• Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
• Membranous nephropathy
• Diabetic kidney disease
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Amyloidosis
• Blood clot in a kidney vein
• Heart failure

iv. Risk Factors

Factors that can increase your risk of nephrotic syndrome include:

• Medical conditions that can damage your kidneys. Certain diseases and conditions increase your risk of developing nephrotic syndrome, such as diabetes, lupus, amyloidosis, minimal change disease and other kidney diseases.
• Certain medications. Examples of medications that can cause nephrotic syndrome include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs used to fight infections.
• Certain infections. Examples of infections that increase the risk of nephrotic syndrome include HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and malaria.

v. Complication

Possible complications of nephrotic syndrome include:

• Blood clots
• High blood cholesterol and elevated blood triglycerides
• Poor nutrition
• High blood pressure
• Acute kidney failure
• Chronic kidney disease
• Infections

vi. Test and Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose nephrotic syndrome include:

• Urine tests. A urinalysis can reveal abnormalities in your urine, such as large amounts of protein, if you have nephrotic syndrome. You may be asked to collect urine samples over 24 hours for an accurate measure of the protein in your urine.
• Blood tests. If you have nephrotic syndrome, a blood test may show low levels of the protein albumin (hypoalbuminemia) specifically and often decreased levels of blood protein overall. Loss of albumin is often associated with an increase in blood cholesterol and blood triglycerides. 
• Removing a sample of kidney tissue for testing. 

vii. Treatment

Treatment for nephrotic syndrome involves treating any underlying medical condition that may be causing your nephrotic syndrome. Medications that may help control your signs and symptoms or treat complications of nephrotic syndrome. Medications may include:

• Blood pressure medications. Drugs called angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors reduce blood pressure and also reduce the amount of protein released in urine.
• Water pills. Water pills (diuretics) help control swelling by increasing your kidneys' fluid output.
• Cholesterol-reducing medications. Medications called statins can help lower cholesterol levels.
• Blood thinners. Medications called anticoagulants help decrease your blood's ability to clot and reduce your risk of developing blood clots.
• Immune system-suppressing medications. Medications to control the immune system, such as corticosteroids, may decrease the inflammation that accompanies certain kidney disorders, such as minimal change disease.