Nephrosis

Swelling (edema) is the most common symptom. It may occur:

• In the face and around the eyes (facial swelling)
• In the arms and legs, especially in the feet and ankles
• In the belly area (swollen abdomen)

Other symptoms include:

• Foamy appearance of the urine
• Weight gain (unintentional) from fluid retention
• Poor appetite
• High blood pressure

The doctor will perform a physical exam. Laboratory tests will be done to see how well the kidneys are working. They include:

• Creatine - blood test
• Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
• Creatinine clearance
• Albumin blood test - may be low
• Urinalysis - reveals large amounts of urine protein

Fats are often also present in the urine. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels may increase.

Kidney biopsy may be needed .

Tests to rule out various causes may include the following:

• Glucose tolerance test
• Antinuclear antibody
• Rheumatoid factor
• Cryoglobulins
• Complement levels
• Hepatitis B and C antibodies
• VDRL serology
• Serum protein electrophoresis

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• Urinary casts
• Protein electrophoresis - urine
• Serum iron

Images

Male urinary system

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Nephrotic syndrome Overview

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Nephrotic syndrome Treatment

Review Date: 08/13/2009
Reviewed By: Parul Patel, MD, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology and Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Affiliated with California Pacific Medical Center, Department of Transplantation, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)