βοΈ FREE MSRA PODCAST β Nephrotic Syndrome in Children: High-Yield Paediatric Revision
π§ Your essential audio revision for MSRA, GP trainees, and anyone prepping for paediatric emergencies.
π§ Key Learning Points
π Definition
β’ Nephrotic syndrome is a paediatric kidney disorder defined by a triad of:
ββ Proteinuria (>1g/mΒ²/day)
ββ Hypoalbuminaemia (<25g/L)
ββ Oedema (often starting periorbitally and spreading)
β’ Caused by increased permeability of the glomerular basement membraneββleaky filterβ lets protein escape into urine.
π Causes & Risk Factors
β’ Primary causes:
ββ Minimal Change Disease (most common in children, especially ages 2β5)
ββ Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous nephropathy, membranoproliferative GN
β’ Secondary causes:
ββ Infections (bacterial, viral, parasitic), autoimmune (SLE, RA), metabolic (diabetes, amyloid), drugs (NSAIDs, lithium), malignancy, toxins
β’ Risk factors:
ββ Genetic predisposition, preceding infections (especially URTI/skin), allergy, autoimmune disease, certain drugs
π Pathophysiology
β’ Damage to the glomerular filtration barrier increases permeability.
β’ Large proteins (esp. albumin) lost in urine β hypoalbuminaemia
β’ β Oncotic pressure β fluid shifts into tissues (oedema)
β’ Liver compensates, producing more lipoproteins β hyperlipidaemia
β’ Hypercoagulable state (prone to clots)
π Clinical Features
β’ Symptoms:
ββ Oedema (periorbital first, then limbs/genitals/abdomen)
ββ Weight gain, reduced urine output, frothy/foamy urine
ββ Fatigue, susceptibility to infections, risk of clots
β’ Signs:
ββ Severe oedema (can cause breathing issues)
ββ Hypovolaemia signs (tachycardia, cold extremities, oliguria)
ββ Xanthomata (cholesterol deposits), Murkyβs lines (white fingernail lines)
π Differential Diagnosis
β’ Acute or chronic glomerulonephritis (blood, hypertension)
β’ Chronic kidney disease
β’ UTI
β’ Systemic diseases (SLE, HSP)
π Diagnosis & Investigations
β’ Urine dipstick: proteinuria; midstream urine to rule out infection
β’ Quantify protein loss: protein:creatinine/albumin:creatinine ratio
β’ Bloods: U&Es, creatinine, albumin, lipids, FBC, coag, LFTs, autoimmune screen, viral screen (HBV, HCV, HIV), thyroid
β’ Imaging: renal ultrasound, CXR
β’ Renal biopsy if atypical features or steroid resistance
π Management
β’ Mainstay: Oral corticosteroids (90% respond if minimal change disease)
β’ Relapses/common: other immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cyclophosphamide, rituximab, mycophenolate)
β’ Oedema: low-salt diet, loop diuretics, occasional IV albumin, fluid restriction if needed
β’ Monitor: daily weights, BP, urine output
β’ Infection risk: up-to-date vaccinations (pneumococcal, varicella)
β’ Hypertension: ACE inhibitors/ARBs
β’ Lipid-lowering therapy if persistent
β’ Referral: urgent to paediatric nephrology if severe oedema, complications, or steroid resistance
π Prognosis & Complications
β’ Prognosis: 80% remission with steroids (minimal change disease); relapse common (up to 80%)
β’ Complications:
ββ Infection (pneumonia, peritonitis), thromboembolism (DVT/PE), acute kidney injury
ββ Chronic kidney disease in resistant cases
ββ Bone health issues (osteomalacia, osteoporosis), anaemia, hypothyroidism
β’ Pre-steroid era mortality >50%; now <3% in children
π Full Paediatric Nephrotic Syndrome MSRA Resources:
π Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/nephrotic-syndrome-in-children-revision-notes/
π§ Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/nephrotic-syndrome-in-children-flashcards/
π¬ Accordion Q&A: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/nephrotic-syndrome-in-children-accordion-qa-notes/
π Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/nephrotic-syndrome-in-children-rapid-quiz/
π Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/paediatrics-for-the-msra/
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