Can nephrotic syndrome be clinically cured?

Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
Updated on September 09, 2024
00:00
00:00

Nephrotic syndrome, a disease that clinically cannot be completely cured, is a chronic illness with no concept of cure. However, with appropriate treatment plans, many patients can achieve effective relief. There are two criteria for judging treatment effectiveness: first, the patient's 24-hour urinary protein quantification is controlled below 0.5 grams, and even can be controlled below 0.3 grams. Second, the patient's 24-hour urinary protein quantification is reduced by more than half compared to the baseline value. Both scenarios indicate effective treatment, but achieving a complete cure is difficult.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
59sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
53sec home-news-image

Precursors of relapse of nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by patients having 24-hour urinary protein quantification exceeding 3.5g and blood plasma albumin levels lower than 30g/L. This condition can be long-lasting. Some patients, after treatment, can have their condition effectively controlled, but there is still a possibility of relapse. Such relapses often occur after the patient has been overworked or has caught a cold, but there are also some patients who do not have such triggers. When the condition relapses, the urinary protein level increases again, which might lead to an increase in urine foam. Patients might experience significant swelling in the lower limbs and face among other areas, suggesting a relapse of nephrotic syndrome, and it is important to go to the hospital for relevant tests promptly.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
51sec home-news-image

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

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Qi
Nephrology
46sec home-news-image

What to do if nephrotic syndrome causes leg pain?

Patients with nephrotic syndrome who experience leg pain mostly have conditions unrelated to nephrotic syndrome itself. It could be due to diseases of the skeletal or muscular system. However, some patients might experience leg pain due to thrombosis caused by nephrotic syndrome, leading to ischemia in the limbs. Also, long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to necrosis of the femoral head, osteoporosis, and pain. Therefore, treatment should be targeted based on the cause, such as using drugs to dissolve clots or interventional surgery for those with thrombosis. In severe cases of femoral head necrosis, a femoral head replacement surgery might be necessary, and it is important to supplement with calcium regularly.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wu Ji
Nephrology
48sec home-news-image

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.