Nephrotic syndrome. Pathogenesis, clinical and therapeutic considerations

The nephrotic syndrome is the result of a variety of immunologic mechanisms which damage the glomerular capillary wall and cause excessive protein loss. The great number of potential predisposing factors and clinical settings necessitates a thorough history and a careful examination that includes well-defined laboratory studies. Appropriate therapy covers a broad range, from doing nothing more than reducing additional insults, to the aggressive use of combined modalities, depending on the factors involved in the individual case.