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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes your body to excrete too much protein in your urine.
Nephrotic syndrome is usually caused by damage to the clusters of small blood vessels in your kidneys that filter waste and excess water from your blood. When healthy, these vessels keep blood protein from seeping into your urine and out of your body. When damaged, they don't perform this function effectively, and protein can leak out of your blood and lead to swelling all over your body (edema).
Treatment for nephrotic syndrome includes treating the underlying condition that's causing it and taking medications. Nephrotic syndrome can increase your risk of infections and blood clots. Your doctor may recommend steps to prevent these and other complications of nephrotic syndrome.
- Nephrotic syndrome in adults. National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/nephrotic/index.htm. Accessed Oct. 15, 2009.
- Nephrotic syndrome. National Kidney Foundation. http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/nephrotic.cfm. Accessed Oct. 15, 2009.
- Childhood nephrotic syndrome. National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/childkidneydiseases/nephrotic_syndrom/index.htm. Accessed Oct. 15, 2009.
- Hull RP, et al. Nephrotic syndrome in adults. BMJ. 2008;336:1185.
- Ferri FF. Nephrotic syndrome. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2009.
