29^th European Nephrology Conference

Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a disorder marked by very high levels of protein in the urine; low levels of protein in the blood, swelling, especially around the eyes, feet and hands; and high cholesterol. Nephrotic syndrome is a set of indications, not a disease in itself. It can occur with several infections, so prevention relies on regulating the diseases that cause it. Treatment of Nephrotic syndrome focuses on ascertaining and treating the fundamental cause, if possible and dropping high cholesterol, blood pressure and protein in the urine through diet, medication or both. Nephrotic syndrome may go away once the essential cause, if identified, is treated. Though, often a kidney disease is the underlying cause and cannot be treated. In these cases, the kidneys may progressively lose their ability to filter wastes and excess water from the blood. If kidney failure follows, the patient will need to be on dialysis or have a kidney transplant.