Nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is a condition of the kidneys. It is usually caused by one of the diseases that damage the kidneys' filtering system. Blood is 'cleaned' in the kidneys as it passes through tiny filters called nephrons. Each kidney contains about one million nephrons. The kidneys remove waste products from the blood (such as uric acid), while maintaining a balance of nutrients, salts and water.

Nephrotic syndrome is the failure of the kidneys to maintain enough protein in the blood. 'Minimal change' disease (lipoid nephrosis) is the most common form of nephrotic syndrome in children. Treatment includes medications and dietary changes.