Nephrotic Syndrome In Children: Causes And Treatment
Nephrotic syndrome in children is a condition that records 15 cases per 100,000 patients, according to the Spanish Pediatric Association. But what does this disease entail? What are its possible causes and treatments? In this article, we will detail this topic in detail.
What is nephrotic syndrome in children?
Symptoms of nephrotic syndrome in children
Children with nephrotic syndrome experience, in addition to a high level of protein in the urine, a sudden increase in weight and swelling in the abdomen, face (especially around the eyes) and extremities. In the case of the limbs, the nephrotic syndrome mainly causes swelling of the ankles and toes after standing or sitting for a longer period of time.
Although these are the main and obvious symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, they are not the only ones. Children with this condition may also have:
- Diarrhea
- Problems urinating
- Dark and frothy urine
- Feeling tired
- Abdominal pain
- Whitening the skin around the nails
- Loss of appetite
Three causes of nephrotic syndrome in children
Nephrotic syndrome in children is generally idiopathic. In other words, doctors are not sure about the causes of the disease in 90% of children aged 2 to 12 years.
Usually, these children have what appear to be normal kidneys. Doctors cannot tell what is wrong with their kidneys, even after examining them under a microscope. Renal tissue looks normal and it is usually impossible to determine the cause of the disease.
The second most common cause in children is juvenile diabetes. It can damage the kidneys, affecting the glomeruli and preventing them from properly filtering waste from the body.
The third cause is genetic mutations. In general, nephrotic syndrome is considered to be a genetic condition. However, in children under 12 months, nephrotic syndrome is considered congenital.
Possible treatments for nephrotic syndrome in children
If you think your little one has nephrotic syndrome, see a doctor right away. Most likely, he will ask you for a urine sample to see if there is an excess of protein.
Subsequently, the doctor will try to determine the causes of the disease to choose the best possible treatment. In addition, it may require other blood tests or even a kidney biopsy. During the biopsy, the doctor will analyze a small sample of kidney tissue.
Usually, the nephrologist recommends treatment with corticosteroids, except in congenital cases. Also, if there are side effects to this type of medication, your doctor may try other treatments, such as cyclophosamide or anticalcineurin.
In addition, your doctor may recommend the use of diuretics to help treat edema. For the same reason, low-sodium diets are ideal for children suffering from this condition.
Most children with genetic nephrotic syndrome do not usually respond to treatment. However, there is research that suggests that immunosuppressants may work in some patients. The nephrologist will find the best treatment for your child’s specific needs.
