What is nephrotic syndrome?

The Power of Protein: Understanding Nephrotic Syndrome and its Impact on the Body

What is nephrotic syndrome?

The condition, known as nephrotic syndrome, is not a disease. Several illnesses that affect the blood arteries in the kidneys cause this condition. Nephrotic syndrome occurs when damaged kidneys cause you to urinate too much protein. Nephrotic syndrome is a collection of symptoms that show that the kidneys aren't working improperly. Disorders affecting either the kidneys or the overall body can cause nephrotic syndrome. It can affect adults and children.

Explaining Nephrotic syndrome

What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome? 

The following symptoms understand nephrotic syndrome:

•  A large amount of protein is present in urine (proteinuria)
• high cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood (hyperlipidemia)
• Underlying conditions that affect the glomeruli of the kidneys can lead to low levels of a protein called albumin in the blood, known as hypoalbuminemia.
• swelling (oedema), particularly in your ankles and feet and around your eyes

Besides the above symptoms, people with nephrotic syndrome may also experience:

• Urine with tiny air bubbles
• Weight gain occurs due to fluid buildup in the body.
• Fatigue
• Appetite loss

What happens to a nephrotic syndrome condition?

It fills your kidneys with tiny blood vessels called glomeruli. As your blood moves through these vessels, extra water and waste products get filtered into your urine, and protein and other substances in your body can stay in your bloodstream. When glomeruli get damaged, nephrotic syndrome happens, and it can not properly filter your blood. 

Damage to these blood vessels allows the protein to leak into your urine. Albumin is the protein lost in your urine. Albumin aids in pulling extra fluid from your body into your kidneys. They then removed this fluid from your urine. Without albumin, your body holds on to the excess water. Loss of albumin causes swelling (oedema) in your legs, feet, ankles, and face.

What are the primary causes of nephrotic syndrome?

Some crucial conditions that cause nephrotic syndrome affect the kidneys. We call these primary causes of nephrotic syndrome. These conditions include:

• Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. 

The glomeruli get scarred because of illness, a genetic abnormality, or an unexplained reason.

• Membranous nephropathy. 

The membranes in the glomeruli thicken with this illness. The reason for the thickening has yet to be determined. It can, however, develop in the presence of lupus, hepatitis B, malaria, or cancer.

• Minimal change disease. 

Under a microscope, the kidney tissue of a person with this illness seems normal. However, it does not filter well.

• Renal vein thrombosis. 

A small blood clot clogs a vein that drains blood from the kidney in this condition.

What are the secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome?

Other diseases that cause nephrotic syndrome affect the entire body. We call these secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome. Such disorders can include:

• Diabetes. 

In this disease, uncontrolled blood sugar can damage blood vessels all over your body, including your kidneys.

• Lupus.

Lupus, an autoimmune disease, induces inflammation in the joints, kidneys, and other organs.

• Amyloidosis. 

A buildup of the protein amyloid causes this rare disease in your organs. Amyloid can accumulate in your kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage.

What are the medications used in nephrotic syndrome? 

Medicines like infection-fighting drugs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have linkages to nephrotic syndrome.

• Blood pressure medications. 

BP medicines can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the amount of protein lost in the urine. These medications comprise angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers.

• Diuretics.

Diuretics prompt your kidneys to release excess fluid, thereby reducing swelling. These medications include furosemide (Lasix) and spironolactone (Aldactone).

• Cholesterol levels reducers 

These drugs lower cholesterol levels. Some examples of stains include atorvastatin calcium and lovastatin.

• Blood thinners.

Doctors prescribe such medications to reduce your blood's ability to clot if you have a blood clot in your kidney. Examples include heparin and warfarin.

• Immune system suppressants.

These drugs help keep the immune system under control and can help treat an underlying condition like lupus. An example of an immune-suppressing medication includes corticosteroids.

How to diagnose Nephrotic syndrome?

Your doctor will first take your medical history to diagnose the nephrotic syndrome. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, any medications you are taking, and whether you have any underlying health conditions. Your doctor will also conduct a physical examination. A physical test can include measuring blood pressure and listening to your heart.

Your doctor may perform several tests used to help diagnose nephrotic syndrome. 

They include:

• Urine tests. 

The doctor will ask you to provide a sample of urine. We can send this to a laboratory to determine whether you have high amounts of protein in your urine. Sometimes, your doctor can collect urine over 24 hours.

• Blood tests. 

In these tests, they will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. They can analyse this sample to check blood markers of overall kidney function, blood levels of albumin, and cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

• Ultrasound. 

An ultrasound utilises sound waves to generate an image of your kidneys. Your doctor can use image creation to evaluate the structure of your kidneys.

• Biopsy. 

During a biopsy, your doctor collects a small sample of kidney tissue. We can send this to the lab for further testing and can help decide the cause. 

Some factors might raise your chances of having the nephrotic syndrome.

An underlying disease that can lead to kidney impairment is one of them.

Diabetes, lupus, and other renal disorders are all examples of such ailments.

• Specific infections.

HIV, hepatitis B and C, and malaria are among the diseases that can cause nephrotic syndrome.

• Medications.

Some antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can raise the risk of nephrotic syndrome.

FAQs about nephrotic syndrome.

• What are the less common causes of nephrotic syndrome?

Less common causes include amyloidosis, membranous nephropathy, minimal change disease, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).

• Can nephrotic syndrome occur in children?

Yes, nephrotic syndrome can occur in children, with minimal change disease being the most common cause in this age group.

• Is nephrotic syndrome always associated with kidney failure?

No, nephrotic syndrome does not always lead to kidney failure. However, it can progress to chronic kidney disease in some cases if left untreated.

• Are there any specific dietary recommendations for managing nephrotic syndrome?

Yes, individuals with nephrotic syndrome may need to limit their salt and protein intake, and very few cases of nephrotic syndrome restrict fluids to manage swelling and high blood pressure.

• Can nephrotic syndrome be cured?

The prognosis for nephrotic syndrome varies depending on the underlying cause. While some cases can be effectively treated and go into remission, others may require ongoing management to control symptoms and prevent complications.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, nephrotic syndrome is a complex kidney disorder characterised by the presence of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, oedema, and hyperlipidemia. Various underlying conditions affecting the glomeruli of the kidneys can cause nephrotic syndrome. While treatment aims to control symptoms and address the underlying cause, the prognosis varies depending on individual factors. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are essential in mitigating complications and improving outcomes for individuals with nephrotic syndrome.