Nephrotic Syndrome: Causes And Treatment
Edema and sudden weight gain are among the most characteristic symptoms of nephrotic syndrome in children. Find out more about this topic today.
As nephrotic syndrome refers to a Symptomenkompex in which various diseases occur. The prevalence among children is 15 in 100,000, according to data from the Spanish Pediatric Association (Asociación Española de Pediatría).
Learn more about this syndrome and different treatment options today.
Nephrotic syndrome: what is it?
In order to understand this complex of symptoms, it is important to know more about the functions of the kidneys. This pair of organs is responsible for cleaning the blood and then discharging pollutants and residues as well as excess water from the body. It also reabsorbs elements such as potassium, phosphorus and sodium, which are then transported back into the bloodstream.
Each kidney consists of around a million nephrons. These are small functional subunits that contain glomerulus (small blood vessels or nerve balls). These are responsible for filtering and clarifying the blood plasma. However, if they do not function properly, edema occurs in the extremities (legs, arms, hands) and other parts of the body.
Nephrotic syndrome: symptoms in children
Symptoms of this syndrome include diarrhea and abdominal pain. You may also have problems urinating. Children with nephrotic syndrome usually suddenly gain weight quickly and suffer from swelling in various parts of the body:
- belly
- Face, especially around the eyes
- Extremities, especially on the ankles and toes, after long periods of sitting or standing
In addition to these skin symptoms, other complaints can often be recognized as well:
- diarrhea
- less frequent need to urinate
- dark and foamy urine
- fatigue
- stomach pain
- white skin around the nails
- Loss of appetite
Nephrotic syndrome in children: 3 possible causes
In around 90% of the affected children between 2 and 12 years of age, the nephrotic syndrome is idiopathic, which means that there is no known cause or that it is an independent disease condition.
Most children have minimal change glomerulonephritis, which is normal and in which microscopic examination reveals normal results. Therefore it is usually not possible to determine the causes.
Diabetes is the second leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. This can damage the kidneys, which affects the glomerulus. As a result, pollutants and substances necessary for the body cannot be correctly differentiated.
The third most common cause is genetic mutations. In this case one speaks of a genetic or a congenital (in children under 12 months) nephrotic syndrome.
Possible treatments
Children with genetic or congenital nephrotic syndrome usually do not respond to these treatments. However, various studies have shown that immunosuppressants can be used successfully. In any case, the specialist recommends the best treatment.
In children, nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerulopathy. Take your child to the doctor if you think they may be suffering from it. He will take all necessary steps to treat it successfully.
