[The changing meaning of the term nephrosis since Noeggerath (author's transl)]

The term nephrosis has changed its meaning considerably since it was coined by Friedrich v. Müller. At the time of Noeggerath, whose 100 anniversary just has passed, nephrosis was defined by morphological terms describing various histological alterations of the renal tubuli which were considered to be degenerative. Today nephrosis is a clinical diagnosis, and usually called nephrotic syndrome. It is characterized by heavy proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia, and can be produced by various etiological causes. In pediatrics the most frequent type is lipoid nephrosis which is characterized by minimal glomerular lesions, negative immunofluorescence and steroid responsiveness. Patients with frequent relapses of lipoid nephrosis are difficult to handle by the physician, therefore the "International Study of Kidney Diseases in Children" and the "Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Pädiatrische Nephrologie" are conducting cooperative therapeutic trials, which results are mentioned briefly.