Nephrotic Syndrome is caused by damage to the tiny blood vessels in the
kidney that filter waste and excess water from the blood. Many conditions and
diseases can cause Nephrotic Syndrome. It should be also be pointed out that in
vast majority of cases exact cause cannot be pinpointed. The most common causes
can be listed as follows.
1. Local diseases (primarily affecting kidneys)
This group includes all those conditions, which directly and primarily affect
kidneys and damage glomeruli. They are largely termed as nephropathies or
glomerulopathies. Glomerulonephritis (GN) occupies peak position among
glomerulopathies causing Nephrotic Syndrome. GN refers to a group pf kidney
disease caused by inflammation of the glomeruli. Specific disorders that are
associated with GN and hence Nephrotic Syndrome include Minimal Change Disease,
Membranoproliferative GN, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), Membranous
Glomerulonephritis, IgA Nephropathy, Goodpasture’s syndrome, Congenial Nephrotic
Syndrome, etc.
2. Systemic diseases (affecting various symptoms of body)
This group categories all those disease which affect various organs and
systems in the body, one amongst them being kidney. When they affect kidney,
they impair glomeruli and make them leak proteins. These diseases include
Diabetes Mellitus, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Henoch-Schonlein Purpura,
Multiple Myeloma, etc.
3. Allergy
Nephrotic Syndrome is proven to be more common in individuals with family
history or prior history of allergy. A few children have been reported with
major food allergies along with Nephrotic Syndrome.
4. Infection
In some cases, Nephrotic Syndrome is considered to be result of or after
effect of infectious conditions, such as malaria, hepatitis B and C, infective
endocarditis, syphilis, streptococcal throat infection, etc.
5. Psychological factor
There is proven evidence that emotional stress can produce alteration in our
immune system so as to increase the risk of Nephrotic Syndrome.
6. Drug toxicity
Certain medications like antibiotics, antihypertensive medicines, etc are
known to induce Nephrotic Syndrome in sensitive individuals.
7. Malignancy/ cancer
Cancers of kidneys or lymphatic system (Hodgkin’s lymphoma) have potential of
inducing Nephrotic Syndrome.
The above is a general introduction about common causes of Nephrotic
Syndrome. If you still have any questions, please contact us online. We are glad
to help you.