Nephrotic Syndrome in Children
Nephrotic syndrome refers to the kidney disorder, and patients can get some severe symptoms such as severe edema, large amount of proteinuria. This disease is much common among children, so parents need to pay attention. In this article, we will learn more about the nephrotic syndrome in children.
Are there different types of nephrotic syndrome?
Yes. The most common type of nephrotic syndrome in children is called minimal change disease. With minimal change disease, there are very tiny physical changes in the tiny filters (called glomeruli) in the kidneys. These tiny changes can affect how the kidneys work.
Minimal change disease can usually be treated with a medicine called prednisone, but this type of nephrotic syndrome can come back. This called a “relapse.” Most children will grow out of minimal change disease in their teen years.
Other types of nephrotic syndrome can be harder to treat and may cause more serious, long-term problems.
How can I keep my child from getting nephrotic syndrome?
We do not know what causes nephrotic syndrome in children, so we cannot prevent it.
What are the symptoms?
If your child has nephrotic syndrome, you may notice swelling around his or her eyes, face, ankles or feet.
What are the treatments for nephrotic syndrome?
The type of treatment your child will need depends on the type of nephrotic syndrome he or she has. For minimal change disease, the most common treatment is prednisone, a type of steroid. Prednisone helps to keep protein from leaking into your child’s urine. If prednisone does not work, or if its side effects are too much, your child’s doctor may prescribe other medicines.
Other treatments may help control the swelling caused by nephrotic syndrome. A diuretic (“water pill”) can help to get rid of the extra fluid. Low-sodium (low salt) diets can help keep fluid from building up, too. In extreme cases, albumin (a kind of protein), given through an IV, can help replace some of the protein in your child’s blood.
Above are some of the basic information about nephrotic syndrome for children. We hope these information will be beneficial for you. Once your child is diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, you need to give early treatment to him, which can make a good prognosis for your child.