Warning signs of nephrotic syndrome

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

Nephrotic syndrome is a condition of protein loss in the urine of more than 3 g per day or a protein to creatinine ratio in the urine of 2:1 (creatinine is a waste product excreted by the kidneys). This reduces the concentration of albumin (an important protein for the body) in the blood to below 30 g/l, increasing blood lipids.

The glomerular membrane in the kidney filters and retains protein in the blood (albumin). When the glomerular membrane is damaged, blood protein leaks into the urine (proteinuria).

Dr. Vo Thi Kim Thanh, Deputy Head of the Department of Nephrology - Dialysis, Center for Urology - Nephrology - Andrology, 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, blockages due to blood clots, tumors, side effects of drugs, and high blood cholesterol.

Below are some common symptoms in people with nephrotic syndrome.

Edema: Occurs due to osmotic pressure differences that increase water and sodium retention through the kidneys. Water and salt retention causes severe swelling in body parts, often around the eyes (especially the eyelids) at night, and ankles and feet during the day.

Foamy urine : This is a typical sign in people with nephrotic syndrome because the glomerular filtration function does not work effectively, causing a large amount of protein to permeate through the glomerular filtration membrane into the urine (proteinuria).

Abnormal weight gain: Not due to an increase in actual weight (flesh, muscle, bone) but is a result of the body retaining too much water.

Poor appetite, poor appetite : Losing too much necessary protein into the urine causes a decrease in blood protein concentration (hypoalbuminemia), leading to malnutrition, affecting the patient's perception of foods.

Fatigue : Poor functioning of the glomerular membrane causes protein loss, accumulation of water, salt, waste, and toxins in the blood, making the patient easily tired.

Swelling of the feet and hands is one of the warning signs of nephrotic syndrome. Illustration: Freepik — Swelling of the feet and hands is one of the warning signs of nephrotic syndrome. Illustration: *Freepik*

In addition to the above symptoms, some other signs that may warn of nephrotic syndrome include decreased urination, bloating, swelling of the genitals; low blood pressure when standing, osteoporosis, brittle nails, malnutrition, slow growth, often seen in children.

If not treated properly and promptly, nephrotic syndrome can cause many complications such as susceptibility to infection, atherosclerosis, malnutrition, anemia, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, pleural effusion, and blood clot formation.

Doctor Kim Thanh advises patients to go to a hospital with a Nephrology - Dialysis department as soon as possible for examination and accurate diagnosis to have a suitable and effective treatment regimen. Patients with nephrotic syndrome need to follow the doctor's instructions on medication and diet to avoid the disease from getting worse.

Thang Vu

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