What is it?
Nephrotic syndrome is the name given to a condition where large amounts of protein leak into the urine, causing fluid retention and swelling (oedema) most commonly around the eyes, abdomen, feet and legs.
What are the causes
It can occur at any age and is caused by damage to the glomeruli (the tiny filters in the kidney). Normally protein in the blood is too large to pass through the tiny holes in the filters but when the glomeruli are damaged, large amounts of protein can leak through into the urine. This leakage results in low levels of protein in the blood and in fluid retention.
This damage is normally caused by a family of kidney diseases (known collectively as glomerulonephritis). These include:
- focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
- IgA glomerulonephritis
- membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (also called mesangiocapillary)
- membranous glomerulonephritis
- minimal change nephropathy.
However, nephrotic syndrome can also occur as a result of:
- a genetic abnormality (known as congenital nephrotic syndrome)
- lupus
- diabetes
- allergic reactions to medicines
- infections like Hepatitis B.
The importance of albumin
One key protein (albumin) ensures that fluids are drawn from our body tissues back into our circulating blood. But if albumin is lost from the body extra fluid builds up in the tissues and causes swelling.
Our kidneys control the amount of water in our bodies but when albumin is lost it affects this control and our kidneys then retain more water than normal, adding to the problem.
Symptoms
- Swelling is the most noticeable symptom – especially around the eyes and face which can be worse first thing in the morning. Later in the day, fluid can collect in the fingers, legs and abdomen which can sometimes make you feel distended. The swelling is soft and will leave a temporary dent if you press on it. Some people can also feel breathless due to excess water around the lungs.
- Frothy urine can also occur as a result of protein leakage (proteinuria)
Possible complications
Nephrotic syndrome can also make you more susceptible to:
- blood clots (because proteins that normally help prevent blood clots are lost along with the albumin in the urine)
- high cholesterol
- infections.
Diagnosis
Blood and urine tests can easily confirm nephrotic syndrome by showing large amounts of protein in your urine and low levels of protein in your blood, together with a raised blood cholesterol level.
Further blood and urine tests can also gauge your level of kidney function. A kidney biopsy may also be required to confirm the exact cause of your nephrotic syndrome. This is a medical procedure to take small samples of the kidney to look at under the microscope.
Children may also be offered the option of genetic testing in order to see if their nephrotic syndrome is resistant to steroids.
Treatments
Treatments can be given to deal with the symptoms, complications and causes of nephrotic syndrome. These may include:
- diuretics (water tablets) to reduce water retention
- dietary advice – e.g. restricting salt and avoiding excessive fluid intake
- medication called ACE Inhibitors and ARBs to reduce the pressure in the glomeruli and so reduce protein loss
- anticoagulant treatment to reduce the risk of thrombosis
- cholesterol-lowering drugs (particularly if the nephrotic syndrome is expected to last a long time)
- antibiotics, to reduce the risk of infections
- steroids, to help heal the damage to the glomeruli
- immunosuppressants (drugs that dampen down the immune system).
Response to treatment varies a lot depending on the underlying cause of the nephrotic syndrome. Some people respond well to one course of treatment with steroids. Others may need repeated courses of treatment. Others may not respond to treatment at all.
If a person does not respond to treatment, after years of heavy protein leakage, the kidneys can eventually fail (this is known as end-stage kidney disease). This can then lead to the need for kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Help for you
If you have been diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome and have any questions or concerns about the condition, don’t hesitate to speak to your kidney specialist or your nurse specialist at your kidney unit.
- You can also find further information, advice and helpful tips in our Just diagnosed and How can I help myself? sections.
- Nephrotic Syndrome Trust: https://nstrust.co.uk/
- Nephcure Foundation: https://nephcure.org/
Reviewed April 2019
Enormous research progress
Kidney Research UK’s NURTuRE biobank is a huge leap forwards for research into nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney disease. By gathering hundreds of samples from patients and combining them with clinical data, we will one day be able to develop new biomarkers. These will help us identify patients who will benefit from earlier diagnosis and tailored treatments. Patients will be able to avoid unnecessary treatment and side effects, and have altogether better health outcomes.
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Patient stories
"Matthew copes so much better than I ever do. I'm so proud of him, I'm so impressed with a ten year old boy having to deal with this huge disease."
Nicola, Matthew's mum
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