[Physiopathology and treatment of nephrotic syndrome complications]

The nephrotic syndrome is defined by a urinary protein excretion exceeding 3g per day, associated with hypoalbuminaemia (< 30 g/L) and hypoprotidaemia (< 60 g/L). The clinical consequences of the nephrotic syndrome are multiple, essentially dominated by sodium retention and oedema formation. The oedema physiopathology is related to both increased capillary permeability and primary activation of the Na/K pump in the collect duct. Other complications of the nephrotic syndrome include thromboembolic complications, dyslipidaemia, and infections. The treatment of these complications represents an important part of the general management of the nephritic syndrome.