Question 1

What is Nephrotic Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder characterized by excessive protein loss through urine, leading to low blood protein levels and swelling throughout the body. It is caused by damage to the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in the kidneys that normally prevent protein from leaking into urine. The Microalbumin Random Urine with Creatinine test is the most important test for diagnosis because it directly measures albumin protein leakage in urine.

Question 2

What causes nephrotic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Nephrotic syndrome is caused by damage to the glomeruli, the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys that filter waste and excess water from your blood. This damage can result from various conditions including minimal change disease (the most common cause in children), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, and systemic diseases like diabetes and lupus. When the glomeruli are damaged, they allow too much protein, especially albumin, to leak from your blood into your urine, leading to low protein levels in your bloodstream and fluid buildup in your body.

Question 3

What is the best test for nephrotic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The Microalbumin Random Urine with Creatinine test is the most important test for nephrotic syndrome because it directly detects and measures albumin protein leaking into your urine, which is the hallmark of this condition. This test provides an accurate assessment by comparing albumin levels to creatinine, accounting for urine concentration variations. Additionally, the Protein Total Serum test is essential for evaluating how much protein has been depleted from your blood due to urinary losses. The Antithrombin III Antigen test is also critical for monitoring your risk of dangerous blood clots, a serious complication that can occur when clotting proteins are lost through urine.

Question 4

When should I get tested for nephrotic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice persistent foamy or bubbly urine, which indicates excess protein in your urine. Other warning signs include significant swelling around your eyes (especially in the morning), swollen ankles and feet, unexplained weight gain from fluid retention, or fatigue and loss of appetite. If you have diabetes, lupus, or other conditions that affect your kidneys, regular testing is important even without obvious symptoms. Early detection through blood and urine tests helps prevent serious complications like kidney failure, infections, and blood clots.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The most noticeable symptoms of nephrotic syndrome include severe swelling (edema), particularly around the eyes, ankles, and feet, along with foamy urine that resembles beaten egg whites due to high protein content. You might experience significant weight gain from fluid accumulation, fatigue, and loss of appetite. Many people also notice their urine becomes darker or tea-colored. As protein levels in your blood drop, you may feel weak and develop infections more easily since antibodies and immune proteins are being lost through urine. Some people experience abdominal swelling and shortness of breath when fluid accumulates in the belly or around the lungs.

Question 6

Who is at risk for nephrotic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

People with diabetes are at increased risk for nephrotic syndrome, especially those with poorly controlled blood sugar levels that damage kidney blood vessels over time. Individuals with autoimmune diseases like lupus, infections such as hepatitis B and C or HIV, and those taking certain medications including NSAIDs and antibiotics face higher risk. Children between ages 2 and 6 are particularly susceptible to minimal change disease, the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in childhood. A family history of kidney disease, high blood pressure, and conditions that cause blood clots also increase your risk of developing this kidney disorder.

Question 7

What happens if nephrotic syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated nephrotic syndrome can lead to life-threatening complications including blood clots in your legs or lungs, severe infections due to loss of immune proteins, and progressive kidney damage that may result in chronic kidney disease or kidney failure requiring dialysis. The persistent protein loss weakens your immune system, making you vulnerable to pneumonia and peritonitis. High cholesterol levels that often accompany nephrotic syndrome increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Malnutrition can develop as your body loses essential proteins, and the fluid buildup can cause breathing difficulties and dangerously high blood pressure. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent these serious outcomes.

Question 8

Can nephrotic syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are essential for diagnosing and monitoring nephrotic syndrome, though they work best in combination with urine tests. Blood tests measure your total protein levels and albumin, which are typically low in nephrotic syndrome due to urinary protein loss. They also check cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are often elevated, and assess kidney function through creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. The Protein Total Serum test reveals how depleted your blood protein levels are, while the Antithrombin III Antigen test identifies increased blood clotting risk. However, urine tests like the Microalbumin Random Urine with Creatinine are crucial for confirming the diagnosis by directly measuring protein leakage.

Question 9

How is nephrotic syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for nephrotic syndrome focuses on addressing the underlying cause and managing symptoms. Corticosteroids like prednisone are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and protein leakage, especially for minimal change disease and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Your doctor may prescribe ACE inhibitors or ARBs to lower blood pressure and reduce protein loss, diuretics to eliminate excess fluid and reduce swelling, and statins to manage high cholesterol levels. Blood thinners may be necessary if you are at high risk for clots. Treatment also includes dietary changes such as reducing salt intake to minimize fluid retention and moderating protein consumption. Some cases may require immunosuppressive medications if the condition is caused by an autoimmune disease.

Question 10

How can I prevent nephrotic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

While you cannot always prevent nephrotic syndrome, you can significantly reduce your risk by managing underlying conditions that damage the kidneys. Keep your blood sugar levels well-controlled if you have diabetes, maintain healthy blood pressure through diet and exercise, and follow your treatment plan if you have autoimmune diseases like lupus. Avoid overusing NSAIDs and other medications that can harm your kidneys. Stay up to date with vaccinations to prevent infections that might trigger kidney damage, and maintain a healthy weight through regular physical activity and a balanced diet low in sodium and processed foods. If you have a family history of kidney disease, regular check-ups with kidney function tests can help detect problems early.

Question 11

What can I do at home for nephrotic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

At home, focus on reducing salt intake to less than 2,000 mg per day to minimize fluid retention and swelling, and elevate your legs when sitting or lying down to reduce ankle and foot swelling. Stay hydrated but follow your doctors recommendations about fluid intake, as excessive fluids can worsen swelling. Eat a moderate amount of high-quality protein from sources like fish, chicken, and eggs, and choose healthy fats while avoiding saturated and trans fats to help manage cholesterol levels. Wear compression stockings to reduce leg swelling and prevent blood clots. Monitor your weight daily and report sudden gains to your doctor, as this may indicate fluid accumulation. Avoid infections by practicing good hygiene and staying away from sick people, since your immune system is compromised.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
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            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
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Nephrotic Syndrome Blood Test

What is Nephrotic Syndrome?

What causes nephrotic syndrome?

What is the best test for nephrotic syndrome?

When should I get tested for nephrotic syndrome?

References

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