- Anemia: Due to nutritional deficiencies and urinary loss of
transferrin.
Investigations of Nephrotic Syndrome:
- Urine analysis for proteinuria, microscopic haematuria, pus cells,
casts, also collect 24 hours urine for quantitation of urinary protein
excretion. - Blood for hypoalbuminaemia, hyperlipidaemia, hypocalcaemia and
for serum creatinine level. - Investigations for diagnosis of the cause in secondary cases e.g.
fasting and postprandial blood sugar for diabetes and anti-DNA for
SLE. - Kidney biopsy: in children, kidney biopsy is indicated only in steroid
resistant or steroid dependent cases as well as in frequent relapsers
and those with impaired kidney functions. But in adults, it is wise to
routinely obtain kidney biopsy to determine the underlying
pathology so that specific treatment can be initiated if indicated.
Treatment of nephrotic syndrome:
The regimen for the treatment of NS is as follows:
- Treatment of the cause in secondary cases- for example- by proper
control of blood sugar in D.M. and steroids and immunosuppressive
drugs in SLE. - Treatment of complications as infection by antibiotics and under
nutrition by giving proper dieting, minerals and vitamins.