What is Nephrotic Syndrome | Types | Causes

What is Nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is a nonspecific kidney disorder characterized by a number of signs such as proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia and edema. It is characterized by an increase in permeability of the capillary walls of the glomerulus leading to the presence of high levels of protein passing from the blood into the urine (proteinuria at least 3.5 grams per day) low levels of protein in the blood (hypoproteinemia), ascites and in some cases, edema and high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia).

The cause is damage to the glomeruli that alters their capacity to filter the substances transported in the blood. The severity of the damage caused to the kidneys can vary and can lead to complications in other organs and systems.

Kidneys affected by nephrotic syndrome have small pores in the podocytes, large enough to permit protein, but not large enough to allow cells through (hence no blood in urine) them.

Classification

Primary nephrotic syndrome (primary glomerulonephritis limited to the kidney)
Secondary nephrotic syndrome that affects the kidney and other parts of the body.

Types and causes of secondary nephrotic syndrome

1) Membranous nephropathy (MN)

Sjögren’s syndrome
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Diabetes mellitus
Sarcoidosis
Drugs
Cancer
Bacterial infections
Protozoal infections

2) Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

Hypertensive nephrosclerosis
HIV
Obesity
Kidney loss

3) Minimal change disease (MCD)

Drugs
Cancer
Allergy
Bee sting

4) Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis

Drugs
Allergy

Signs and symptoms

The most common sign is excess fluid in the body due to the serum hypoalbuminemia in the form of:

Puffiness around the eyes, characteristically in the morning.
Pitting edema over the legs.
Fluid in the pleural cavity causing pleural effusion.
Fluid in the peritoneal cavity causing ascites.
Generalized edema throughout the body known as anasarca.

Hypertension (rarely) may also occur.
Anemia
Dyspnea
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is increased
Some patients may notice foamy or frothy urine.

Investigations

Complete blood count
Urine analysis
Renal function test
Renal biopsy
Vitamin D3 levels
Glucose tolerance test

Homoeopathic approach to nephrotic syndrome

There are many remedies in Homoeopathy that act efficiently in case of varied kidney disorders. Homoeopathy for Nephrotic syndrome in particular also has a good scope. The combination of homoeopathic remedies with a good diet and exercise will help curb the symptoms of Nephrotic syndrome.

How does homoeopathy work in nephrotic syndrome?

Homoeopathy helps in controlling the frequency, intensity and duration of the attack.
Homoeopathic remedies aim at improving the patient’s immunity due to which the protein leakage from the glomerular membrane is prevented.
It also helps patient to get rid of steroid treatment by modulating the healing capacity of the body, kidneys in particular.
Homoeopathic remedies act in a way so as to combat inflammation in the kidneys and gradually normalize the filtration capacity of the kidneys.
Homoeopathy is safe to use and is free from any side effects.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT?

Nephrotic syndrome is a chronic disease due to which a long term treatment is suggested to the patient. The duration that one has to take homoeopathic treatment depends on a number of factors:

Duration of disease
Intensity of disease
Pathological extension of the disease
The ability of the patient to respond to the treatment (Susceptibility)
Whether the patient is avoiding the triggering factors (maintaining cause) which may lead to hindrance in the course of treatment.