What tests are conducted for nephrotic syndrome?

Written by Zhang Hui

Nephrology

Updated on September 25, 2024

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Patients with nephrotic syndrome need to complete routine urine tests, 24-hour urine protein quantification, liver and kidney function tests, routine blood tests, electrolyte panels, blood glucose tests, and lipid profiles. Additionally, it is important to determine the cause of nephrotic syndrome, excluding the possibility of nephrotic syndrome caused by immune system diseases, including tumors, vasculitis, lupus, and other diseases. These tests include rheumatoid immune panels, antinuclear antibody spectrum, anti-GBM antibodies, ANCA panel, and immunoglobulins. Moreover, these patients should undergo kidney ultrasound, tumor marker tests, and thyroid function tests.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

51sec

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How long will it take for nephrotic syndrome to get better?

Most cases of nephrotic syndrome are primary nephrotic syndrome, which refers to the absence of specific causes and may be related to immune dysfunction. The disordered immune system attacks the glomerular capillaries causing damage to the filtration barrier, resulting in the patient excreting large amounts of urinary protein. For primary nephrotic syndrome, treatment generally involves the use of corticosteroids or a combination of hormones and immunosuppressants. About 50-60% of patients respond effectively to the medication, which typically takes about two months to take effect. Patients who respond quickly might see effects within one to two weeks, while those with less sensitivity to the medication may need three to four months. The general course of medication is about one year.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

53sec

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Causes of edema in nephrotic syndrome

Edema is a diagnostic criterion for nephrotic syndrome, as well as a major clinical symptom and characteristic of the syndrome. There are several reasons why patients develop edema. First, a large amount of protein leaks out from the kidneys, causing a decrease in the concentration of plasma albumin and a decrease in the colloid osmotic pressure in the plasma, which makes it easy for water to move from inside the blood vessels to outside, causing edema. Second, patients with nephrotic syndrome have increased vascular permeability, which also makes it easy for water to enter the interstitial tissues. Among patients with nephrotic syndrome, some are prone to acute renal failure, which further decreases the kidney's ability to excrete water, and these factors together lead to the common occurrence of edema in patients.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Hui

Nephrology

56sec

home-news-image

What tests are conducted for nephrotic syndrome?

Patients with nephrotic syndrome need to complete routine urine tests, 24-hour urine protein quantification, liver and kidney function tests, routine blood tests, electrolyte panels, blood glucose tests, and lipid profiles. Additionally, it is important to determine the cause of nephrotic syndrome, excluding the possibility of nephrotic syndrome caused by immune system diseases, including tumors, vasculitis, lupus, and other diseases. These tests include rheumatoid immune panels, antinuclear antibody spectrum, anti-GBM antibodies, ANCA panel, and immunoglobulins. Moreover, these patients should undergo kidney ultrasound, tumor marker tests, and thyroid function tests.

home-news-image

Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

44sec

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Is nephrotic syndrome prone to recurrence?

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by more than 3.5 grams of proteinuria in 24 hours and a serum albumin concentration lower than 30 grams per liter. Treatment of this disease should be aimed at the cause, with most patients suffering from primary nephrotic syndrome related to immune dysfunction, therefore often requiring treatment with steroids. Indeed, some patients easily experience relapses; after a period of steroid treatment, proteinuria may decrease or even turn negative. However, upon cessation of the medication or during occurrences like a cold, some patients may suffer from relapses. Not all patients respond this way, as some are dependent on steroids.

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Written by Wu Ji

Nephrology

48sec

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Criteria for the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome

The diagnostic criteria for nephrotic syndrome include massive proteinuria, with urinary protein greater than 3.5 grams/day, hypoalbuminemia, with plasma albumin less than 30 grams/liter, severe edema, and hyperlipidemia, which includes significant increases in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. The first two criteria are essential for the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome, while the latter two are secondary. Clinically, if the two necessary criteria are met, the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is established. Patients with nephrotic syndrome should undergo a renal biopsy to determine the pathological type and guide clinical treatment.