Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by low amounts of blood protein, which permits water to penetrate the tissues, resulting in swelling called edema. Every single tissue in the body swells, but the most noticeable changes may be seen in the face, legs, belly, penis, and scrotum. Therefore, nephrotic syndrome is defined by increased rates of protein in the urine, which leads to decreased levels of protein in the blood and edema.
Damage to the glomeruli, which are clusters of very small blood arteries, is typically the root cause of nephrotic syndrome in patients. As the blood travels through the kidneys, it is filtered by the glomeruli, which separate substances the body needs from those it does not. In addition, healthy glomeruli prevent blood protein, primarily albumin, from passing into the urine. This preventative measure is essential for ensuring that the body always has the appropriate quantity of fluid. Conversely, nephrotic syndrome results from damaged glomeruli, leaving excessive blood protein to be removed from the body.
