kidney and urinary tract disorders
Nephrotic Syndrome
Introduction
Nephrotic syndrome is a disorder of the glomeruli (clusters of microscopic blood vessels in the kidneys that have small pores through which blood is filtered) in which excessive amounts of protein are excreted in the urine. Excessive protein excretion typically leads to accumulation of fluid in the body (edema) and low levels of the proteinalbuminand high levels of fats in the blood. Medications and disorders that damage the kidneys may cause nephrotic syndrome. People feel tired and have tissue swelling (edema). Diagnosis is based on blood and urine tests and sometimes imaging of the kidneys, a biopsy of the kidneys, or both. People who have disorders that may cause nephrotic syndrome are given angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors orangiotensin IIreceptor blockers (ARBs) to slow kidney damage. Restriction of sodium intake plus diuretics and statins are also used to treat this disorder. (See also Overview of Kidney Filtering Disorders .) Nephrotic syndrome can develop gradually or suddenly. Nephrotic syndrome can occur at any age. In children, it is most common between the ages of 18 months and 4 years, and more males than females are affected. In older people, both sexes are equally affected. , in the blood. People also have increased levels of fats (lipids) in the blood, a tendency to Excessive Clotting , and a greater susceptibility to infection. The decreased level of 