genitourinary disorders
Overview of Nephrotic Syndrome
Introduction
Nephrotic syndrome is urinary excretion of>3 g of protein/day due to a glomerular disorder plus edema and hypoalbuminemia. It is more common among children and has both primary and secondary causes. Diagnosis is by determination of urine protein/creatinine ratio in a random urine sample or measurement of urinary protein in a 24-hour urine collection; cause is diagnosed based on history, physical examination, serologic testing, and renal biopsy. Prognosis and treatment vary by cause. (See also Overview of Glomerular Disorders .) 