Renal failure with minimal change nephrotic syndrome: reversal with hemodialysis

A patient with acute renal failure accompanying nephrotic syndrome associated with minimal change nephropathy acutely reversed with hemodialysis and ultrafiltration. This response is felt to support the interstitial edema tubular obstruction theory of renal failure occurring with minimal change disease. Acute hemodialysis with significant fluid removal may dramatically reverse severe degrees of azotemia in this condition independent of corticosteroid therapy. The latter, however, may be necessary for remission of the nephrotic syndrome.