87327_nephr synd brchr 2

Is Nephrotic Syndrome
Summary
likely to recur?
NEPHROTIC
Approximately 70% of children with minimal a condition that most children outgrow.
change lesion have recurrences of oedema.
This is more likely to occur at the same time to occur with the common cold. Prednisolone is very effective in controlling the urine protein as a common cold. The urine can be tested leak in the majority of cases. Every effort at home. The first sign of recurrence is an should be made so that the child continues in Children
excessive amount of protein on the dip stick.
Swelling does not occur until excessiveprotein has been present in the urine for some days. If either occurs the parent shouldcontact their doctor and drug managementcan be started. When relapses becomefrequent the child may remain on prednisolonefor some months or years depending on therecurrence rate. Side effects from theprednisolone can occur and include obesity,roundness in the face, a decrease in growthrate and small cataracts. The other medicationslisted above are given at certain times toprevent these complications. The majority of children who have relapses stop relapsingby the age of 16 years.
If the nephrotic syndrome does not respondto the prednisolone a renal biopsy is usuallyperformed. A small percentage of childrenwith other forms of nephrotic syndrome do not respond to drug therapy and they may develop kidney failure. In these patientsmedications that act on the kidney RENAL RESOURCE CENTRE, 2007
RENAL RESOURCE CENTRE, 2007
to increase urine output will decrease the amount of oedema. If high blood pressure is present then it is important that this Freecall: 1800 257 189 Fax: 61 2 9362 4354 Freecall: 1800 257 189 Fax: 61 2 9362 4354 Publications of the Renal Resource Centre are endorsed by Publications of the Renal Resource Centre are endorsed by The Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology The Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology What is
Types of
Treatment
Nephrotic Syndrome?
Nephrotic Syndrome
As the child is losing excessive protein in the Nephrotic syndrome occurs when the filters The commonest type of nephrotic syndrome urine a good diet is necessary. A normal or high in the kidney leak an excessive amount of in children is called “minimal change” and protein diet is encouraged. Mild reduction of protein. The level of protein in the blood then occurs in 80% of cases. In this type, the kidney fluid intake will assist in preventing excessswelling of the tissues. Salt reduction should be falls and this allows fluid to leak across very function remains normal. A small percentage encouraged by not adding salt to the food. Most small blood vessels into the tissues. Swelling of children may have partial scarring involving children can continue with normal activities.
around the eyes, abdomen and legs is then some of their filters, while others may have noted. Protein in the body is normally made syndrome respond to drug therapy. Prednisolone by the liver and the liver then responds by (a steroid medication) is the initial drug used producing extra protein. Nephrotic syndrome with “minimal change” nephrotic syndrome.
is a combination of proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine), low blood protein and of protein within 2-3 weeks. Prednisolone can What causes
Nephrotic Syndrome?
Most cases of nephrotic syndrome are caused types of white cells produce a substance that acts on the filters in the kidney to produce a change in the filters. This allows protein nephrotic syndrome are caused by swelling Are there any
and increased cell numbers in the filters. In Complications?
some instances this may result in permanent infrequent but the child should see their doctor with any fevers or tummy pain. Clotting of a if a child develops severe tummy pain with a small needle is inserted into the kidney frank blood in the urine. With the low blood protein, the circulating blood volume may by producing less urine. This is more likely to occur if a child becomes ill with vomiting or diarrhoea. This complication is easily treated by infusion of protein into a vein.

Source: http://www.renalresource.com/pdf/nephrotic_syndrome_children.pdf