Nephrotic syndrome is a clinical syndrome of heavy proteinuria (greater than 3.5 g per 24 hours), oedema, and hypoalbuminaemia, which is associated with hyperlipidaemia and a procoagulant state. Causes of nephrotic syndrome are traditionally classified by their histopathological descriptions. In most cases, the histological picture can have a primary (idiopathic) or secondary cause. Minimal change, membranous nephropathy, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis account for over 60% of cases. Diabetic nephropathy and renal amyloidosis are common secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic-range proteinuria will show up as at least 3+ protein on urinalysis. The diagnosis is confirmed by a urinary protein-to-creatinine ratio over 300 mg/mmol, and hypalbuminaemia. In adults, renal biopsy is the diagnostic test. This chapter addresses the causes, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome in adults.
Urinary and plasma proteomics to discover biomarkers for diagnosing between diabetic nephropathy and minimal change nephrotic syndrome or membranous nephropathy
