Nephrotic Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Treatment, Complications, Differential Diagnoses

Today we will continue our discussion on nephrotic syndrome. In our previous article regarding nephrotic syndrome we have discussed the causes, prognosis, basic pathophysiology, and diagnostic investigations of nephrotic syndrome. In this article we will elaborate on the pathophysiology of nephrotic syndrome as well as discuss its differential diagnoses, complications and treatment.

Nephrotic Syndrome: Causes, Pathophysiology, Diagnostic Investigations, and Prognosis

In this article we will focus mainly on the definition of nephrotic syndrome, its causes, basic pathophysiology, prognosis and diagnostic investigations. We have another article for you which elaborates on the pathophysiology of nephrotic syndrome, its treatment, complications and differential diagnoses.

What Is Nephrotic Syndrome? 

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by:

• Hypoalbuminemia 
• Massive proteinuria: >3.5 g proteinuria/day 
• Dyslipidemia 
• Salt and water retention, leading to generalized edema (anasarca)
• Microscopic hematuria
• Hypertension

If left undiagnosed or untreated, some of these syndromes will progressively damage enough glomeruli to cause a fall in GFR, producing renal failure.