Nephrotic syndrome
Alternative names:
Ellis type II; nephrosis
Treatment:
Treatment goals are to relieve symptoms, to prevent complications, and to retard progressive kidney damage. Treatment of the causative disorder is necessary to control nephrotic syndrome. Treatment may be chronic.
Corticosteroid, immunosuppressive, antihypertensive, and diuretic medications may help control symptoms. Antibiotics may be needed to control infections.
If hypertension is present it must be treated vigorously. Treatment of high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels is recommended to reduce the development of atherosclerosis. Dietary limitation of cholesterol and saturated fats may be of little benefit, as the high levels seem to be the result of overproduction by the liver rather than excessive intake of fats. Medications to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides may be recommended.
High-protein diets are of debatable value. In many patients, reducing the amount of protein in diet produces decrease in urine protein. In most cases, a moderate-protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day) is usually recommended. Sodium (salt) may be restricted to help control edema. Vitamin D may need to be replaced if the nephrotic syndrome is chronic and unresponsive to therapy.
Expectations (prognosis):
The outcome varies; the syndrome may be acute and short-term or chronic and unresponsive to therapy. The cause and development of complications also affects the outcome.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate nephrotic syndrome may be present.
Call your health care provider if nephrotic syndrome persists or if new symptoms develop, including severe headache, fever, sores on the skin, cough, discomfort with urination, or decreased urine output.
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if convulsions occur.
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