How is nephrotic syndrome diagnosed?

Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

Updated on September 28, 2024

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Nephrotic syndrome is a general term for a group of clinical symptoms. Its primary diagnostic criteria include a 24-hour urine protein quantification of greater than or equal to 3.5 grams and plasma albumin less than or equal to 30 grams per liter; these two criteria are essential for the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. Meeting these criteria is sufficient for the diagnosis. There are also two additional supporting diagnostic criteria for nephrotic syndrome, which include possible symptoms of edema and hyperlipidemia. These four elements are the main clinical manifestations and diagnostic criteria of nephrotic syndrome.

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Written by Niu Yan Lin

Nephrology

42sec

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Does nephrotic syndrome require a puncture?

Nephrotic syndrome is a complex of clinical symptoms with various causes, which differ by age group. In children or adolescents, if it presents solely as significant proteinuria without elevated creatinine or hematuria, it is generally caused by minimal change disease. Since this type of kidney disease is sensitive to hormone treatment, it is usually possible to forego renal biopsy and start with corticosteroid therapy. For other nephrotic syndrome patients, it is advisable to first perform a renal biopsy to identify the pathological cause before considering appropriate treatment with hormones, immunosuppressants, and other medications.

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Written by Wu Ji

Nephrology

57sec

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What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is a common manifestation of glomerular disease, caused by a variety of etiologies, with large differences in treatment response and prognosis. The pathological causes of nephrotic syndrome are diverse, with the most common types being minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, mesangial proliferative nephritis, membranous nephropathy, and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Nephrotic syndrome can be classified into primary and secondary types based on its cause. The diagnosis of primary nephrotic syndrome mainly depends on the exclusion of secondary nephrotic syndrome. Common causes of secondary nephrotic syndrome include diabetic nephropathy, lupus nephritis, renal amyloidosis, drug-induced nephropathy, and renal tumors.

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Written by Zhang Hui

Nephrology

1min 17sec

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How should you eat with nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by urine protein greater than 3.5 grams, serum albumin less than 30, the presence of edema, and hyperlipidemia. Patients matching these criteria can be diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome. From its diagnosis, we can see that such patients have a high amount of urine protein and relatively low blood protein. For these patients, it is necessary to control their protein intake, generally suitable at 0.6-0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. Due to hypoalbuminemia, as the liver synthesizes protein, it also leads to an increase in blood lipids. Therefore, patients with nephrotic syndrome need to follow a low-fat diet to avoid further elevation of blood lipids. Additionally, as patients with nephrotic syndrome generally have edema, it is necessary to restrict sodium intake to prevent sodium and water retention, further aggravating the edema.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

53sec

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Precursors of relapse of nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by patients having 24-hour urinary protein quantification exceeding 3.5g and blood plasma albumin levels lower than 30g/L. This condition can be long-lasting. Some patients, after treatment, can have their condition effectively controlled, but there is still a possibility of relapse. Such relapses often occur after the patient has been overworked or has caught a cold, but there are also some patients who do not have such triggers. When the condition relapses, the urinary protein level increases again, which might lead to an increase in urine foam. Patients might experience significant swelling in the lower limbs and face among other areas, suggesting a relapse of nephrotic syndrome, and it is important to go to the hospital for relevant tests promptly.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

39sec

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How is nephrotic syndrome diagnosed?

Nephrotic syndrome is a general term for a group of clinical symptoms. Its primary diagnostic criteria include a 24-hour urine protein quantification of greater than or equal to 3.5 grams and plasma albumin less than or equal to 30 grams per liter; these two criteria are essential for the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome. Meeting these criteria is sufficient for the diagnosis. There are also two additional supporting diagnostic criteria for nephrotic syndrome, which include possible symptoms of edema and hyperlipidemia. These four elements are the main clinical manifestations and diagnostic criteria of nephrotic syndrome.