Definition
Nephrotic syndrome is caused by increased permeability of glomeruli, large amount of urine protein loss (>3.5 g per day and subsequently leading to hypoalbuminemia < 3.0g/dl), edema and hyperlipidemia (mainly cholesterol).
Clinical Features
It is the characteristic of foamy urine, low limb and whole body edema, and hyperlipidemia. Some patients have hypertension, hematuria, and impaired renal function. If there is no propoercontrol over the underlying etiology, it may progress to renal failure.
Etiologies
It can be divided into primary and secondary causes. Primary nephrotic syndrome is caused by unknown diseases. However, secondary nephrotic syndrome is caused by systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus, drugs, metallic toxicity, tumors, or infection. Patients with nephrotic syndrome should see doctors for help and it is necessary to receive renal biopsy for further management.
Treatment:
-
Principles about the treatment of edema:
Avoid excessive exercise and take a bed rest as much as possible. Restrict salt and water intake, and use diuretics if needed.
-
Diet:
Appropriate protein intake with enough nutrition is important. Avoid eating too much or less.
-
Hyperlipidemia:
Patients with nephrotic syndrome prone to have hyperlipidemia. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict high fat food intake and may need lipid-lowering-drugs .
-
Thrombosis formation:
Because anti-coagulantion factors are lost from urine and frequent diuretic uses lead to water loss and the blood viscosity in patients with nephrotic syndrome increases; all are attributions to thrombosis formation. The most common manifestation is renal vein thrombosis which is characteristic of hematuria, aggravated proteinuria or progressive renal function. Anticoagulant agents should be used if renal vein thrombosis presents.
-
Infection:
Due to significant loss of immuloglobulins from urine, malnutrition, and the use of steroid and mmunosuppressants; patients with nephrotic syndromemay have poorer immune functions and higher incidences of infection. Therefore, they should take care of their nutrition and hygiene status and avoid excessive work. Once infection occurs, you should seek a doctor immediately.
-
Medication:
Main drugs include steroids and other immunosuppressants which children have a good response to. Usually the course takes more than two months. The dosage may be reduced gradually until the condition improves. The disease will recur and deteriorate if patients stop drugs themselves.
中國醫藥大學附設醫院
連絡電話：(04)22052121分機 3255、7360
若有任何疑問，請不吝與我們聯絡
回上页
