Is pediatric nephrotic syndrome contagious?

Written by Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

Updated on May 08, 2025

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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 Zhou Qi

Nephrology

57sec

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Can people with nephrotic syndrome eat strawberries?

Patients with nephrotic syndrome can eat strawberries in moderate amounts. Patients with nephrotic syndrome typically have urinary protein levels exceeding 3.5g in 24 hours, along with noticeable symptoms of edema. It is essential for these patients to control their intake of water, especially those with severe edema, as excessive water intake can further exacerbate the swelling. Additionally, patients should limit their intake of plant proteins, follow a low-salt diet, and avoid heavy consumption of oils and fatty foods. From the above perspectives, it is generally acceptable for patients with nephrotic syndrome to eat strawberries in moderation. Strawberries contain very little plant protein and will not increase urinary protein levels. Although strawberries do not contain much salt, patients with nephrotic syndrome still need to consume them in moderation due to their high water content.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

53sec

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Nephrotic syndrome urine output

Patients with nephrotic syndrome vary in the amount of urine they produce. Some patients have normal urine output and may not exhibit obvious symptoms of edema, but others may have reduced urine output, which can even lead to acute renal failure. Nephrotic syndrome emphasizes that the glomerular filtration barrier is damaged, resulting in a large amount of urinary protein, with a 24-hour urinary protein quantitative exceeding 3.5 grams. This situation highlights the decreased ability of the filtration barrier to retain proteins in the blood, meaning the integrity of the filtration barrier is compromised. However, the kidney's ability to excrete water and metabolic waste is not indicated by the term "nephrotic syndrome" itself, thus the patient's urine output can vary.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

56sec

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Is nephrotic syndrome contagious?

So, nephrotic syndrome is a general term for a group of clinical symptoms, a state of disease, and is not essentially an independent disease. Thus, this problem is not infectious. This disease describes the damage to the kidneys due to some reason, leading to the disruption of the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier, resulting in the patient developing a significant amount of urinary protein. The disease itself is not contagious. However, there are very few cases of nephrotic syndrome that might be caused by hepatitis B virus infecting the kidneys. In such cases, the hepatitis B virus may have a certain level of contagiousness, but even so, it does not imply that nephrotic syndrome itself is contagious. In other words, even if such patients transmit hepatitis B to others, it does not necessarily mean those others will exhibit kidney damage.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

56sec

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What is good for children with nephrotic syndrome to eat?

Nephrotic syndrome is mainly due to increased permeability of the glomerular basement membrane, leading to a syndrome characterized by heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and severe edema. The dietary requirements for this disease include low salt, low fat, and high-quality protein diet. Therefore, it is best to use less salt in dishes, and also, one should not drink too much water, as excessive water intake can easily cause sodium and water retention. Additionally, too much sodium can also lead to sodium and water retention and the development of hypertension. Foods rich in fats, fatty meats, and seafood should be avoided, while high-quality proteins generally include lean meats, beef, milk, eggs, etc. Consumption of such high-quality proteins and soy products should be limited.

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Written by Zhou Qi

Nephrology

52sec

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How to treat anemia in nephrotic syndrome?

Patients with nephrotic syndrome often do not suffer from anemia. However, if a patient has severe chronic renal failure, renal anemia may occur. Generally, renal anemia occurs when the patient's blood creatinine level exceeds 256 micromoles/liter. Treatment mainly involves the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents and iron supplements. If the patient does not have obvious renal failure but exhibits anemia, it is important to investigate the cause. This could include gastrointestinal bleeding, the presence of systemic diseases, or even hematological disorders. For example, lupus nephritis can cause both nephrotic syndrome and anemia. In such cases, high-dose steroids and immunosuppressants may be required as a treatment to fundamentally address the issue.