Causes of Nephrotic Syndrome can be primary, due to changes specific to the kidneys or secondary, where kidneys are damaged due to any general or systemic illnesses.
-
Primary Nephrotic Syndrome is owing to disease which is limited to the kidney. Causes of Nephrotic Syndrome of primary type are:
- Minimal change disease: It is one of the commonest causes of Nephrotic Syndrome especially in children. The pathology in the kidneys is minimal compared to symptoms, hence the name.
- Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: It is one of the commonest causes of Nephrotic Syndrome in adults. There is tissue scarring of parts of some glomeruli.
- Membranous glomerulonephritis: Probably due to an auto-immune mechanism, there is inflammation of the glomerular membrane causing increased leaking in the kidneys.
- Mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis: Along with inflammation, there is deposit of antibodies in glomeruli causing difficulties in filtration.
- Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis: Glomeruli become crescent-shaped causing rapid loss of kidney functions.
-
Secondary Nephrotic Syndrome is due to a general or systemic disease that affects the kidney and other parts of the body.
- Diabetic nephropathy: It is a complication of Diabetes where excess blood sugar accumulates in the kidneys, causing inflammation, thus reduces their function.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus: An autoimmune disease which affects multiple organs including kidneys.
- Conventional medicines: Long term use of Penicillin, NSAIDs, Gold, etc. have resulted in many cases of Nephrotic Syndrome.
- Other causes of Nephrotic Syndrome of secondary type include Sarcoidosis, Syphilis, Hepatitis B, HIV, multiple myeloma, cancers, etc.
