Jesal Shah
Consultant Dietician, Mumbai.

Nephrotic syndrome occurs when the filters in the kidney leak an excessive amount of protein. The level of protein in the blood then falls and this allows fluid to leak across very small blood vessels into the tissues. Swelling around the eyes, abdomen and legs is a consequence of this process.

The disease is characterised by proteinuria (Excessive protein especially albumin in the urine), low blood protein and oedema(swelling in the tissues). Protein losses in the urine are commonly 5-10gms per day but may also exceed 30gms per day.

Clinical symptoms:

• Swelling(oedema)
• General
• Around the eyes
• In the extremities, especially feet and ankles.
• Abdomen swollen
• Facial swelling
• Foamy appearance of the urine
• Weight gain(unintentional) from fluid retention
• Poor appetite(anorexia)
• High blood pressure