Nephrotic Syndrome

Definition: A condition associated with a large loss of protein in the urine (proteinuria) - typically over 3.5 grams (per 1.73 meters² of body surface area) per day. It is characterized by low levels of protein in the blood (hypoalbuminemia), swelling of the hands and feet (edema), and elevated blood lipid levels (hyperlipidemia). It can occur with numerous glomerular diseases and conditions, including diabetic nephropathy, minimal change disease, membranous nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) and HIV nephropathy.