Urological Disorders

Nephrotic Syndrome

What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is a condition often marked by the following:

very high levels of protein in the urine
low levels of protein in the blood
swelling, especially around the eyes, feet, and hands
high cholesterol

What causes nephrotic syndrome?

Generally, nephrotic syndrome results from damage to the kidneys' glomeruli -- the tiny blood vessels that filter waste and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine -- although some causes remain unknown.

Nephrotic syndrome may occur with many diseases, including the kidney diseases caused by type 2 diabetes. Prevention of nephrotic syndrome relies on controlling these diseases.

How is nephrotic syndrome often treated?

Treatment generally focuses on identifying the underlying cause, if possible, and reducing the following (often through diet, medications, or both):

high cholesterol
blood pressure
protein in urine

Consult your physician to determine if an underlying cause for your condition can be identified. Only after this determination is made can an appropriate treatment protocol be established.

This page was last updated on: February 28, 2008.

For more information, call the University Physicians Consultation and Referral Service at 1-800-492-5538 (patients) or 1-800-373-4111 (physicians).