Warning signs of nephrotic syndrome

Swelling around the eyes, ankles, and feet, foamy urine, poor appetite, and fatigue are common symptoms in patients with nephrotic syndrome.

Nephrotic syndrome is a condition characterized by protein loss in the urine exceeding 3 grams per day, or a protein-to-creatinine ratio in the urine of 2:1 (creatinine is a waste product excreted by the kidneys). This leads to a decrease in albumin levels (an important protein for the body) in the blood to below 30 g/l, and an increase in blood lipids.

The glomerular filtration membrane in the kidney is responsible for filtering and retaining protein in the blood (albumin). When the glomerular filtration membrane is damaged, blood protein leaks into the urine (proteinuria).

Dr. Vo Thi Kim Thanh, Deputy Head of the Nephrology - Dialysis Department, Urology - Nephrology - Andrology Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said that common causes of damage to the glomerular filtration membrane include kidney infections, diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, blockage due to blood clots, tumors, side effects of medications, and high blood cholesterol.

Here are some common symptoms in people with nephrotic syndrome.

Edema: Occurs due to osmotic pressure differences that increase the kidneys' ability to retain water and sodium. This water and salt retention causes severe swelling of body parts, commonly seen around the eyes (especially the eyelids) at night, and the ankles and feet during the day.

Foamy urine : This is a characteristic sign in people with nephrotic syndrome because the glomerular filtration function is not working effectively, causing large amounts of protein to leach through the glomerular filtration membrane into the urine (proteinuria).

Unusual weight gain: This is not due to an actual increase in weight (muscle, bone), but rather a consequence of the body retaining too much water.

Poor appetite, loss of appetite : Losing too much essential protein in the urine causes a decrease in blood protein levels (hypoalbuminemia), leading to malnutrition and affecting the patient's perception of food.

Fatigue : Poor functioning of the glomerular filtration membrane leads to protein loss and the accumulation of water, salt, waste products, and toxins in the blood, causing patients to easily feel tired.

Swelling in the legs and arms is one of the warning signs of nephrotic syndrome. (Illustration: Freepik) — Swelling in the legs and arms is one of the warning signs of nephrotic syndrome. (Illustration: *Freepik)*

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, other signs that may indicate nephrotic syndrome include decreased urination, bloating, genital swelling; orthostatic hypotension, osteoporosis, brittle nails, malnutrition, and stunted growth, which are more common in children.

If left untreated, nephrotic syndrome can lead to many complications such as increased susceptibility to infections, atherosclerosis, malnutrition, anemia, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, pleural effusion, and blood clot formation.

Dr. Kim Thanh advises patients to visit a hospital with a Nephrology and Dialysis department as soon as possible for accurate diagnosis and appropriate, effective treatment. Patients with nephrotic syndrome need to strictly follow their doctor's instructions regarding medication and diet to prevent the disease from worsening.

Thang Vu

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