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Minimal change disease

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Definition:

Minimal change disease is a kidney disorder. Each kidney is made of more than a million units called nephrons. Each nephron has a tuft of blood vessels called a glomerulus, which is surrounded by a structure called the Bowman's Capsule. Together, these structures filter blood and produce urine.

Minimal change disease is one cause of nephrotic syndrome . It is named "minimal change" because the nephrons appear totally normal under a light (regular) microscope. The condition is only seen using an electron microscope, which reveals changes in the glomeruli. Urine tests also show high protein levels.

Alternative Names:

Minimal change nephrotic syndrome; Nil disease; Lipoid nephrosis; Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome of childhood

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Minimal change disease is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. It is also frequently seen in adults. The cause is unknown, but the disease may be preceded by viral infection, allergic reactions, or recent immunizations.

Minimal change disease does not reduce the amount of urine produced. It rarely progresses to kidney failure .

• Review Date: 12/9/2005
• Reviewed By: Colm C. Magee, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Renal Transplant, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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