The kidneys normally work like a filter to keep proteins in the blood while waste products get filtered out. When the kidneys do not work properly, the protein leaks out of the blood and into the urine. When a lot of protein leaks out into the urine, it may change how a person looks and affect the results of their blood tests. This is considered nephrotic syndrome.
Children may have:
Learn more about how the kidneys act like a coffee filter.
There are diseases of the kidney that cause Nephrotic Syndrome, such as:
There is nothing you did as a parent that caused your child to have kidney problems. In fact, these diseases are called “idiopathic,” meaning we do not know why they occur. Nephrotic syndrome may also occur as a result of other medical problems, such as diabetes, cancer, lupus, infection, drugs, allergies and vasculitis.
Your doctor will order urine and blood tests. Your doctor will also ask questions about your child’s symptoms and do a physical exam.
Your doctor may order a renal ultrasound to look at the kidneys.
If your child does not get better while taking prednisone, your child may need a kidney biopsy. During a kidney biopsy, a tiny piece of tissue is removed from the kidney. A doctor will look at the tissue under a microscope. If your child needs a kidney biopsy, they will be sent to Seattle Children's Hospital for treatment and care.
To learn more information about kidney biopsies, read Seattle Children's Hospital's "Kidney Biopsy and Your Child."
Treatment will always involve
Kidcomm Nephrotic Syndrome Parents Place
Low Salt Foods
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
National Kidney Foundation
Patient Information: The Nephrotic Syndrome