Yellow nail syndrome accompanied by minimal-change nephrotic syndrome: A case report

In most cases of yellow nail syndrome (YNS), the classic triad of yellow nails, lymphedema and respiratory manifestations rarely manifest simultaneously. Therefore, diagnosis is delayed or frequently missed.

We report a 62-year-old YNS patient presenting with bilateral pleural, pericardial and peritoneal effusions who, 2 mo later, developed minimal-change nephrotic syndrome. After treatment with vitamin E, clarithromycin and prednisone for 3 mo, effusions in the chest, pericardium and abdominal cavity decreased while urine protein levels returned to within normal ranges.

Clinicians should consider the possibility of YNS for patients presenting with multiple serous effusions and nephrotic syndromes.