Nephrotic Syndrome

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose nephrotic syndrome include:

• Urine tests: Urinalysis can detect abnormalities such as large amounts of protein. You may be asked to collect urine samples over 24 hours.
• Blood tests: Blood tests can reveal low levels of albumin and overall protein. Increased cholesterol and triglycerides are often seen. Creatinine and urea nitrogen levels may be measured to assess kidney function.
• Kidney biopsy: A small sample of kidney tissue may be removed using a needle and sent to a lab for testing.

Treatment

Treatment for nephrotic syndrome focuses on managing the underlying cause, controlling symptoms, and preventing complications.

Medications may include:

• Blood pressure medications:

• ACE inhibitors, such as lisinopril, benazepril, captopril, and enalapril, help reduce blood pressure and protein loss in urine.

• ARBs (angiotensin II receptor blockers), including losartan and valsartan, may be used as alternatives.

• Diuretics: Water pills like furosemide, spironolactone, or thiazides (hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone) help control swelling by increasing fluid output.

• Cholesterol-lowering medications: Statins such as atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin can help reduce cholesterol levels.

• Blood thinners: Anticoagulants like heparin, warfarin, dabigatran, apixaban, and rivaroxaban may be used to decrease the risk of blood clots.

• Immune-suppressing medications: Corticosteroids and other drugs like rituximab, cyclosporine, or cyclophosphamide may help reduce inflammation and control underlying immune-related causes.

Management often involves a combination of medication, dietary adjustments, and regular monitoring of kidney function.