question:  Nephrotic syndrome Nephrosis Summary Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that include protein in the urine, low blood protein levels in the blood, high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, increased blood clot risk, and swelling. Causes Nephrotic syndrome is caused by different disorders that damage the kidneys. This damage leads to the release of too much protein in the urine. The most common cause in children is minimal change disease. Membranous glomerulonephritis is the most common cause in adults. In both diseases, the glomeruli in the kidneys are damaged. Glomeruli are the structures that help filter wastes and fluids. This condition can also occur from: Cancer Diseases such as diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple myeloma, and amyloidosis Genetic disorders Immune disorders Infections (such as strep throat, hepatitis, or mononucleosis) Use of certain drugs It can occur with kidney disorders such as: Focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis Glomerulonephritis Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis Nephrotic syndrome can affect all age groups. In children, it is most common between ages 2 and 6. This disorder occurs slightly more often in males than females. Symptoms Swelling (edema) is the most common symptom. It may occur: In the face and around the eyes (facial swelling) In the arms and legs, especially in the feet and ankles In the belly area (swollen abdomen) Other symptoms include: Skin rash or sores Foamy appearance of the urine Poor appetite Weight gain (unintentional) from fluid retention Seizures Exams and Tests The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Laboratory tests will be done to see how well the kidneys are working. They include: Albumin blood test Blood chemistry tests, such as basic metabolic panel or comprehensive metabolic panel Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) Creatinine - blood test Creatinine clearance - urine test Urinalysis Fats are often also present in the urine. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be high. A kidney biopsy may be needed to find the cause of the disorder. Tests to rule out various causes may include the following: Antinuclear antibody Cryoglobulins Complement levels Glucose tolerance test Hepatitis B and C antibodies HIV test Rheumatoid factor Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) Syphilis serology Urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP) This disease may also change the results of the following tests: Vitamin D level Serum iron Urinary casts Treatment The goals of treatment are to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and delay kidney damage. To control nephrotic syndrome, the disorder that is causing it must be treated. You may need treatment for life. Treatments may include any of the following: Keeping blood pressure at or below 130/80 mm Hg to delay kidney damage. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are the medicines most often used. ACE inhibitors and ARBs may also help decrease the amount of protein lost in the urine. Corticosteroids and other drugs that suppress or quiet the immune system. Treating high cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart and blood vessel problems -- A low-fat, low-cholesterol diet is usually not enough for people with nephrotic syndrome. Medicines to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides (usually statins) may be needed. A low-sodium diet may help with swelling in the hands and legs. Water pills (diuretics) may also help with this problem. Low-protein diets may be helpful. Your provider may suggest a moderate-protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day). Taking vitamin D supplements if nephrotic syndrome is long-term and is not responding to treatment. Taking blood thinner drugs to treat or prevent blood clots. Outlook (Prognosis) Outcome varies. Some people recover from the condition. Others develop long-term kidney disease and need dialysis and eventually a kidney transplant. Possible Complications Health problems that may result from nephrotic syndrome include: Acute kidney failure Hardening of the arteries and related heart diseases Chronic kidney disease Fluid overload, heart failure, fluid buildup in lungs Infections, including pneumococcal pneumonia Malnutrition Renal vein thrombosis When to Contact a Medical Professional Call your provider if: You develop symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, including swelling in face, belly, or arms and legs, or skin sores You're being treated for nephrotic syndrome, but your symptoms don't improve New symptoms develop, including cough, decreased urine output, discomfort with urination, fever, severe headache Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you have seizures. Prevention Treating conditions that can cause nephrotic syndrome may help prevent the syndrome. Review Date 8/1/2017 Updated by: Walead Latif, MD, Nephrologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Rutgers Medical School, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. 