How long will it take for nephrotic syndrome to get better?

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Most cases of nephrotic syndrome are primary nephrotic syndrome, which refers to the absence of specific causes and may be related to immune dysfunction. The disordered immune system attacks the glomerular capillaries causing damage to the filtration barrier, resulting in the patient excreting large amounts of urinary protein. For primary nephrotic syndrome, treatment generally involves the use of corticosteroids or a combination of hormones and immunosuppressants. About 50-60% of patients respond effectively to the medication, which typically takes about two months to take effect. Patients who respond quickly might see effects within one to two weeks, while those with less sensitivity to the medication may need three to four months. The general course of medication is about one year.

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Written by Wu Ji
Nephrology
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Criteria for the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome

The diagnostic criteria for nephrotic syndrome include massive proteinuria, with urinary protein greater than 3.5 grams/day, hypoalbuminemia, with plasma albumin less than 30 grams/liter, severe edema, and hyperlipidemia, which includes significant increases in plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. The first two criteria are essential for the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome, while the latter two are secondary. Clinically, if the two necessary criteria are met, the diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome is established. Patients with nephrotic syndrome should undergo a renal biopsy to determine the pathological type and guide clinical treatment.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Nephrology
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What tests are conducted for nephrotic syndrome?

Patients with nephrotic syndrome need to complete routine urine tests, 24-hour urine protein quantification, liver and kidney function tests, routine blood tests, electrolyte panels, blood glucose tests, and lipid profiles. Additionally, it is important to determine the cause of nephrotic syndrome, excluding the possibility of nephrotic syndrome caused by immune system diseases, including tumors, vasculitis, lupus, and other diseases. These tests include rheumatoid immune panels, antinuclear antibody spectrum, anti-GBM antibodies, ANCA panel, and immunoglobulins. Moreover, these patients should undergo kidney ultrasound, tumor marker tests, and thyroid function tests.

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Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
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Is nephrotic syndrome hereditary?

Nephrotic syndrome is generally not hereditary. It refers to a group of clinical symptoms and manifestations. The fundamental issue in patients is the damage to the glomerular capillaries, which leads to significant proteinuria, subsequently causing edema, hyperlipidemia, and hypoalbuminemia in the plasma. The causes of this disease are classified into primary and secondary types. Primary nephrotic syndrome is related to immune system dysfunction and may involve multiple genes; therefore, the disease is not considered a clear hereditary disease, but the likelihood of offspring developing renal issues may be higher than in the general population. Secondary nephrotic syndrome is mostly related to factors such as hepatitis B infection, allergies, diabetes, etc., and these diseases are not hereditary either.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Is pediatric nephrotic syndrome contagious?

Pediatric nephrotic syndrome is a clinical syndrome characterized by increased glomerular filtration membrane permeability due to various causes, leading to the loss of a large amount of protein from plasma through urine. Its main manifestations are: 1. Massive proteinuria, which is the most basic pathophysiological change in nephrotic syndrome and a necessary condition for diagnosis. 2. Hypoalbuminemia. 3. Hyperlipidemia. 4. Significant generalized edema. Nephrotic syndrome is not contagious, so pediatric nephrotic syndrome is not infectious. Contact with children with nephrotic syndrome will not result in contracting the syndrome, so parents can be assured on this matter.

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Written by Li Liu Sheng
Nephrology
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What should I do about the high fever caused by nephrotic syndrome?

Patients with nephrotic syndrome, due to long-term use of steroids, have particularly weak resistance and are prone to various infections. High fever is a common symptom in patients with nephrotic syndrome after an infection. Once a high fever due to infection occurs in nephrotic syndrome, it must be taken seriously because infections are often a significant trigger for the relapse or worsening of the condition. Once the condition worsens, patients often experience heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, edema, and declining kidney function. Therefore, it is crucial to go to the hospital in a timely manner after the onset of high fever for medical treatment, and to conduct routine blood and urine tests, kidney function tests, and chest X-rays to determine the cause of the patient's high fever, whether it is a viral or bacterial infection. Besides, it is important to drink plenty of water, urinate frequently, rest in bed, reduce outdoor activities, and avoid fatigue. If a viral infection causes the fever, antiviral medications that clear heat and detoxify should be used. If a bacterial infection causes the fever, sensitive antibiotics should be used for symptomatic treatment. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)