Nephrotic Syndrome

What level of proteinuria is seen in nephrotic syndrome?

More than 3 grams per 24 hours

How is serum albumin affected in nephrotic syndrome?

Reduced – hypoalbuminaemia

What level of hypoalbuminaemia is typical of nephrotic syndrome?

Less than 30 grams per litre (g/L)

What is the clinical fluid status of patients with nephrotic syndrome?

Oedematous

List 2 common sites of oedema

1) Periorbital oedema (particularly on waking)

2) Pedal oedema

List the 2 commonest lipid abnormalities in nephrotic syndrome

1) Hypercholesterolaemia

2) Hypertriglyceridaemia

What is the leading cause of primary nephrotic syndrome in Caucasian adults?

Membranous nephropathy

What is the commonest lesion underlying idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in Black adults?

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

What investigation is the gold standard for determining the cause of proteinuria?

Renal biopsy

How is the risk of thromboemboli affected in nephrotic syndrome?

Increased incidence of arterial and venous thromboemboli

List 2 medications which reduce protein excretion and slow the rate of disease progression in nephrotic syndrome

1) Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors

2) Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)

(One or the other)