Abstract

The nephrotic syndrome is an oedematous state caused by gross proteinuria. The plasma albumin concentration is usually below 2G/100 ml.¹ There is excess secretion of aldosterone and sodium retention. The condition is often associated with proliferative lesions and thickening of the glomerular capillary basement membrane. It affects both adults and children. Treatment aims to reduce the total body sodium by a low salt intake and diuretics, and to reduce the glomerular protein leak.