[Complications of the nephrotic syndrome]

We described the case of a 27-year-old man presenting pulmonary embolism and hyperlipidaemia. Subsequent investigation revealed that he was affected by renal vein thrombosis and nephrotic syndrome due to membranous glomeruloephritis. Nephrotic syndrome complications are numerous and may represent the first sign of the syndrome. Among these complications we find thromboembolism, infections, negative nitrogen balance and renal failure. There are very few prognostic indicators that enable the prediction of nephrotic syndrome complications. Recent advances in the understanding of alterations in the metabolism of circulating and somatic proteins associated with proteinuria and hypooncotic condition have led to new insights into the pathophysiologic processes associated with the syndrome.