kidney and urinary tract disorders
Nephrotic Syndrome
Treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome
Treatment of the cause Medications Dietary management and other measures Whenever possible, specific treatment is aimed at the cause. Treating an infection that causes nephrotic syndrome may cure the syndrome. If a treatable disease, such as certain cancers, causes nephrotic syndrome, treating that disease can eliminate the syndrome. If a heroin user with nephrotic syndrome stops using heroin in the early stages of the disease, the syndrome may resolve. If other medications or illicit drugs are responsible for the syndrome, stopping these may be curative. People who are sensitive or allergic to poison oak, poison ivy, or insect bites should avoid these irritants. receptor blocker (ARB), symptoms may decrease, the amount of protein excreted in the urine usually decreases, and fat concentrations in the blood are likely to decline. However, these medications can increase the potassium levels in the blood in people who have moderate to severe Overview of Kidney Failure , which can cause potentially dangerous is usually treated with diuretics. Diuretics can also reduce fluid retention and tissue swelling but may increase the risk of blood clots. Anticoagulants may help control clot formation if it occurs. Infections can be life threatening and must be treated promptly. Statins, medications that lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood, may also be needed if people have increased levels of fats (lipids) in the blood. If no reversible cause can be found, the person may be given corticosteroids and other medications that suppress the immune system, such ascyclophosphamide. However, corticosteroids cause problems, particularly for children, in whom these medications can stunt growth and suppress sexual development (see sidebar). General therapy for nephrotic syndrome includes a diet that contains normal amounts of protein and potassium but that is low in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. If fluid accumulates in the abdomen, the person may need to eat frequent, small meals because the fluid reduces the capacity of the stomach. People should receive the Pneumococcal Vaccine . Rarely, so much protein is lost in the urine that the kidneys must be removed. 