Genitourinary Disorders Health Channel

	Feature Article Illustrations for this article Click on an image below to enlarge Male urinary system Nephrotic syndrome Definition Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms including protein in the urine (more than 3.5 grams per day), low blood protein levels, high cholesterol levels, high triglyceride levels, and swelling. Alternative Names Nephrosis Causes, incidence, and risk factors Nephrotic syndrome is caused by various disorders that damage the kidneys, particularly the basement membrane of the glomerulus. This immediately causes abnormal excretion of protein in the urine. The most common cause in children is minimal change disease, while membranous glomerulonephritis is the most common cause in adults. This condition can also occur as a result of infection (such as strep throat, hepatitis, or mononucleosis), use of certain drugs, cancer, genetic disorders, immune disorders, or diseases that affect multiple body systems including diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple myeloma, and amyloidosis. It can accompany kidney disorders such as glomerulonephritis, focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, and mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis. Nephrotic syndrome can affect all age groups. In children, it is most common from age 2 to 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: Foamy appearance of the urine Weight gain (unintentional) from fluid retention Poor appetite High blood pressure Signs and tests The doctor will perform a physical exam. Laboratory tests will be done to see how well the kidneys are working. They include: Creatine - blood test Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) Creatinine clearance Albumin blood test - may be low Urinalysis - reveals large amounts of urine protein Fats are often also present in the urine. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels may increase. Kidney biopsy may be needed . Continue reading this article

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