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Nephrotic Syndrome Treatment
By Yolanda Smith, B.Pharm.
Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.
The treatment of nephrotic syndrome will depend on the underlying cause of
the syndrome. Therefore, it is important that the most likely cause is
identified during the diagnostic process to enable the optimal treatment
decisions to be made.
The primary aim of treatment is to reduce symptoms and complications of
nephrotic syndrome. This is done with a combination or lifestyle interventions
and medications targeted towards specific areas linked to the condition.
AntiHypertensive Medications for Blood
Pressure
Medications to control blood pressure are often recommended for patients
with nephrotic syndrome who have hypertension. This is useful both to reduce
blood pressure and minimize the loss of protein in the urine. Common
antihypertensive medication options for nephrotic syndrome include:
Angiotensinconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: benazepril, captopril,
enalapril
Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): losartan, valsartan
These two classes of drugs are preferable to other antihypertensive
medications because they have a direct effect on the function of the kidney
and help to reduce the excretion of protein in the urine.
Diuretic Medications for Edema
Diuretic medications, also commonly referred to as water pills, can be useful
to reduce the swelling of edema, which is a common symptom of nephrotic
syndrome. Examples of diuretic medications that may be used for patients to
reduce edema include furosemide and spironolactone.
Statin Medications for Hypercholesterolemia
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Nephrotic Syndrome Treatment
Medications to reduce the levels of cholesterol may sometimes be
recommended for patients with nephrotic syndrome who have high levels of
cholesterol in the blood. These medications are thought to help reduce the
risk of associated complications, such as a myocardial infarction, although the
specific benefits for patients with nephrotic syndrome are not clear.
Examples of statin medications that may be used for patients with nephrotic
syndrome include atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin,
rosuvastatin, and simvastatin.
Anticoagulant Medications for Blood Clot
Prevention
For patients with nephrotic syndrome who are at risk of the formation of
blood clots, an anticoagulant medication may be recommended. Examples of
blood thinning drugs to reduce clotting factors include warfarin and heparin.
Immunosuppressant Medications
Medications that suppress the immune system can be beneficial for patients
with nephrotic syndrome who have symptoms related to inflammation. In
particular, patients with associated minimal change disease may find
immunosuppressant medications such as corticosteroids useful to manage
inflammation.
Lifestyle Interventions
There are some diet and lifestyle interventions that can be made by patients
with nephrotic syndrome to help reduce the severity of symptoms. For
example, a lowsalt diet is useful to limit fluid retention in the body and thus
reduce edema associated with nephrotic syndrome.
It is also important for patients to follow general health recommendations,
including a regular physical activity and a healthy diet with high intake of
fresh vegetable and low intake of processed foods.
FollowUp Care
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Nephrotic Syndrome Treatment
It is important that patients with nephrotic syndrome have access to
adequate support throughout and after the treatment. Many medications used
in the treatment of nephrotic syndrome, such as antihypertensives and
diuretics, are used on an ongoing basis and may require dose adjustments in
the future.
Regular checkups should also be carried out to monitor ongoing health. This
is particularly important for patients taking immunosuppressant medications,
who may require immunizations and monitoring for signs of toxicity. However,
all patients should have regular appointments with the medical practitioner.
References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseasesconditions/nephroticsynd
rome/basics/treatment/con20033385
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/244631treatment#showall
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000490.htm
http://patient.info/health/nephroticsyndromeleaflet
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/healthinformation/healthtopics/kidneydise
ase/nephroticsyndromeinadults/Pages/facts.aspx
Further Reading
All Nephrotic Syndrome Content
Nephrotic Syndrome Overview
Nephrotic Syndrome Symptoms
Nephrotic Syndrome Causes
Nephrotic Syndrome Diagnosis
More...
Last Updated: Feb 27, 2019
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Nephrotic Syndrome Treatment
Written by
Yolanda Smith
Yolanda graduated with a Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of South Australia
and has experience working in both Australia and Italy. She is passionate about
how medicine, diet and lifestyle affect our health and enjoys helping people
understand this. In her spare time she loves to explore the world and learn about
new cultures and languages.
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