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Nephrotic Syndrome Specialist

Metro Renal Associates Our Services Nephrotic Syndrome

Metro Renal Associates

Nephrologists located in Washington, DC & Capitol Heights, MD

Nephrotic syndrome is a rare but potentially dangerous kidney disorder that leads to an excess of protein in your urine, also called proteinuria. Though there’s no single cause of nephrotic syndrome, there’s a wide range of conditions that might produce its symptoms, so it's important to get checked out by the team at Metro Renal Associates in Washington, DC. They perform a series of tests to identify the cause of your nephrotic syndrome and provide an effective treatment plan. If you have a history of kidney problems, call or schedule an appointment online today.

Nephrotic Syndrome Q & A

What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is a condition that damages small blood vessels in your kidneys, causing your body to pass too much protein through your urine. It’s similar to another condition called proteinuria, though nephrotic syndrome also indicates edema and low serum albumin levels.

 

What causes nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome has no single cause and you might develop the condition for a variety of different reasons. Some common causes include:

Certain diseases

Diabetes, minimal change disease (MCD), and lupus can all lead to kidney damage, particularly in the blood vessels responsible for protein filtration. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is the disease most commonly responsible for nephrotic disease in adults, followed by diabetes.

Blood clots

Blood clots that occur in a kidney vein can lead to nephrotic syndrome.

Other medical conditions

Some medical conditions that aren’t necessarily diseases can also lead to nephrotic syndrome, like membranous neuropathy, which is a thickening of the membranes in your kidney’s blood vessels.

 

What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?

There are a few telltale signs of nephrotic syndrome, the most common of which include swelling around your eyes and ankles, along with urine that appears foamy or frothy. Other symptoms may include:

  • Excess fluid retention
  • Weight gain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue

 

Without treatment, nephrotic syndrome can lead to a range of potentially serious complications, including blood clots, poor nutrition, cholesterol problems, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and even acute kidney failure.

 

How is nephrotic syndrome treated?

How the team at Metro Renal Associates treats your nephrotic syndrome depends on its underlying cause, and they’ll recommend the best course of treatment after reaching a diagnosis. If your kidneys have already been too damaged by the condition, you might need to start dialysis or undergo a kidney transplant.

During treatment, your provider might also offer certain medications to help control your symptoms, including blood pressure medications and statins.

Do you have a history of kidney disease or have you noticed a strange appearance to your urine? Don’t wait it out. Call the team at Metro Renal Associates or schedule your consultation online today.

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