Nephrotic Syndrome – SP Medifort Hospital

Nephrotic Syndrome Treatment

Nephrotic Syndrome Treatment In Trivandrum

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that causes the body to lose excessive protein through urine, leading to swelling, fatigue, and other complications. Early diagnosis and expert care are essential to prevent long-term kidney damage and improve quality of life. At Sp Medifort, our experienced nephrologists provide comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment for patients with nephrotic syndrome.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of Nephrotic Syndrome?

Patients with nephrotic syndrome may experience:

Swelling (Edema).
Foamy Urine.
Fatigue.
Weight Gain.
Loss of Appetite.

What causes Nephrotic Syndrome ?

Nephrotic syndrome occurs when the kidneys’ filtering units (glomeruli) are damaged, allowing protein to leak into the urine.

Minimal Change Disease: Common in children, this condition causes abnormal kidney function that results in proteinuria even though the tissue looks normal under a microscope.
Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS): Characterized by scarring of some glomeruli, FSGS may result from another disease, genetic factors, certain medications, or occur without a known cause.
Membranous Nephropathy: This immune‑related disorder thickens the membranes within the glomeruli and can be associated with other conditions such as lupus, infections, or cancer.
Autoimmune Diseases: Systemic lupus erythematosus and other autoimmune conditions can lead to serious inflammation and kidney damage.
Amyloidosis: Abnormal protein deposits (amyloid) build up in organs including the kidneys, disrupting normal filtration and leading to nephrotic syndrome.
Diabetic Kidney Disease: Long‑term diabetes can damage the kidneys’ filtering system, leading to protein leakage and nephrotic syndrome.
Genetic Factors: Inherited conditions that predispose individuals to kidney disorders.

Diagnosis of Nephrotic Syndrome

Our hospital provides advanced diagnostic services to accurately detect nephrotic syndrome:

Medical History and Physical Exam: Our doctors review your symptoms, such as swelling, fatigue, and changes in urine, while assessing risk factors and overall health to guide further testing.
Urine Tests: Simple urine tests help detect the presence of excess protein, blood, or other abnormalities, which are key indicators of nephrotic syndrome.
Blood Tests: Blood tests evaluate kidney function, protein levels, and cholesterol, providing insight into how well your kidneys are filtering and overall metabolic health.
Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or CT scans provide detailed images of the kidneys, helping detect structural abnormalities or blockages that may contribute to the condition.
Kidney Biopsy: In selected cases, a kidney biopsy is performed to examine kidney tissue under a microscope. This confirms the type and severity of kidney damage, which is crucial for designing an effective treatment plan.

What are the Nephrotic Syndrome risk factors?

Certain factors may increase the risk of nephrotic syndrome:

Kidney Diseases: Conditions like focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and minimal change disease can directly harm the glomeruli.
Systemic Conditions: Diabetes and autoimmune disorders such as lupus can affect kidney function and cause protein loss.
Infections and Toxins: HIV, hepatitis, certain medications, and toxins may trigger kidney damage.
Genetic Predisposition: Family history of kidney disease increases susceptibility.
Age and Demographics: More common in children (minimal change disease) and adults with underlying kidney disorders.

What treatment options are available for Nephrotic Syndrome?

Our multidisciplinary team provides tailored treatment to control symptoms, protect kidney function, and manage complications:

Medications: Medications for nephrotic syndrome help reduce kidney inflammation and manage related symptoms. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, such as prednisone, decrease inflammation and protein leakage, especially in primary kidney conditions. Diuretics, or water pills, reduce swelling by helping the kidneys remove excess fluid. ACE inhibitors or ARBs lower pressure in the kidney filters, reduce protein loss in the urine, and protect kidney function. Cholesterol-lowering medicines like statins may be recommended if blood lipid levels are high to reduce cardiovascular risk. In some cases, additional medications such as anticoagulants for clot prevention or antibiotics for infections may also be used.

Lifestyle Measures: Lifestyle measures play a key role in managing nephrotic syndrome and protecting kidney health. A low-salt diet with balanced protein intake helps reduce swelling, while regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function slows disease progression. Avoiding nephrotoxic drugs protects the kidneys, and staying up to date with vaccinations, such as flu and pneumococcal shots, prevents infections that can worsen kidney problems.

Advanced Care: Advanced care for nephrotic syndrome includes dialysis, a life-saving treatment that takes over the kidneys’ role in filtering waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when kidney function is severely impaired. This helps maintain the body’s balance and prevents complications associated with kidney failure.