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Congenital nephrotic syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome - congenital

 

Congenital nephrotic syndrome is a disorder passed down through families in which a baby develops protein in the urine and swelling of the body. Congenital means it is present from birth. However, this group of disorders also includes nephrotic syndrome that occurs in the first 3 months of life.

Causes

 

Congenital nephrotic syndrome is a very rare form of nephrotic syndrome . It occurs mostly in families of Finnish origin and develops shortly after birth. It is inherited, which means it is passed down through families.

Children with this disorder have an abnormal form of a protein called nephrin. The kidney's filters (glomeruli) need this protein to function normally.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of nephrotic syndrome include:

  • Cough
  • Decreased urine output
  • Foamy appearance of urine
  • Low birth weight
  • Poor appetite
  • Swelling (total body)

 

Exams and Tests

 

An ultrasound done on the pregnant mother may show a larger-than-normal placenta. The placenta is the organ that develops during pregnancy to feed the growing baby.

Pregnant mothers may have a screening test done during pregnancy to check for this condition. The test looks for higher-than-normal levels of alpha-fetoprotein in a sample of amniotic fluid. Genetic tests are then used to confirm the diagnosis if the screening test is positive.

After birth, the infant will show signs of severe fluid retention and swelling. The health care provider will hear abnormal sounds when listening to the baby's heart and lungs with a stethoscope. Blood pressure may be high. There may be signs of malnutrition.

A urinalysis reveals fat and large amounts of protein in the urine. Total protein in the blood may be low.

 

Treatment

 

Early and aggressive treatment is needed to control this disorder.

Treatment may involve:

  • Antibiotics to control infections
  • Blood pressure medicines called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to reduce the amount of protein leaking into the urine
  • Diuretics ("water pills") to remove excess fluid
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as indomethacin, to reduce the amount of protein leaking into the urine

Fluids may be limited to help control swelling.

The provider may recommend removing the kidneys to stop protein loss. This may be followed by dialysis or a kidney transplant .

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

The disorder often leads to infection, malnutrition, and kidney failure. It can lead to death by age 5, and many children die within the first year. Congenital nephrotic syndrome may be controlled in some cases with early and aggressive treatment, including an early kidney transplant.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications of this condition include:

  • Acute kidney failure
  • Blood clots
  • Chronic kidney failure
  • End-stage kidney disease
  • Frequent, severe infections
  • Malnutrition and related diseases

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if your child has symptoms of congenital nephrotic syndrome.

 

 

Open References

References

Bakkaloglu SA, Schaefer F. Diseases of the kidney and urinary tract in children. In: Taal MW, Chertow GM, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Yu ASL, Brenner BM, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 75.

Jalanko H, Kaariainen H. Nephrotic disorders. In: Rimoin D, Pyeritz RE, Korf B, eds. Emery and Rimoin's Principles and Practice of Medical Genetics . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2013:chap 64.

 
  • Female urinary tract

    Female urinary tract - illustration

    The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

    Female urinary tract

    illustration

  • Male urinary tract

    Male urinary tract - illustration

    The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

    Male urinary tract

    illustration

    • Female urinary tract

      Female urinary tract - illustration

      The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

      Female urinary tract

      illustration

    • Male urinary tract

      Male urinary tract - illustration

      The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

      Male urinary tract

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Congenital nephrotic syndrome

           
             

            Review Date: 9/22/2015

            Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, DO, private practice specializing in nephrology, affiliated with New York Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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