Minimal change disease - Symptoms, Causes, Images, and Treatment Options

Diseases

Highlights & Basics

Key Highlights

The most common form of nephrotic syndrome in children, characterized by minimal histologic changes in the kidney; 90% of cases are idiopathic.
Children typically present with peripheral edema, although some are asymptomatic. Diagnosis is usually made on clinical grounds.
Corticosteroid therapy is the mainstay of treatment. Long-term corticosteroid therapy has significant adverse effects; therefore, if needed, corticosteroid-sparing therapies can be added.
Renal biopsy is usually reserved for those patients who do not respond to corticosteroid therapy or have frequent relapses, or for the diagnosis of patients <1 year old.

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Diagnostic algorithm for MCD nephrotic syndrome
Treatment algorithm for MCD nephrotic syndrome (NS). FSGS: focal segmental glomerulosclerosis; IV: intravenous

Citations

Key Articles

Gordillo R, Spitzer A. The nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Rev. 2009;30:94-104.[Abstract]
Eddy AA, Symons JM. Nephrotic syndrome in childhood. Lancet. 2003 Aug 23;362(9384):629-39.[Abstract]
Shigidi MM. The treatment of relapse in adults with minimal change nephrotic syndrome: myths and facts. Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2011;22:10-17.[Abstract]

Other Online Resources

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Referenced Articles

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