Causes of Nephrotic Syndrome

What is Nephrotic Syndrome?
Nephrotic Syndrome is not a single disease. It is a group of symptoms which include massive proteinuria, edema, hyperlipemia and hyproteinemia. Nephrotic Syndrome is the outcome of number of diseases that damage the filtering units of the kidneys.
Causes of Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic syndrome has many causes and may either be the result of a disease limited to the kidney.
Minimal change disease
Minimal change disease is the most common cause of Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome and the disorder leads to abnormal function of kidney. The examination of kidney tissue under a microscope shows normal or nearly normal. The cause of the abnormal function typically can not be determined.
Focal segmental glomerular sclerosis (FSGS)
FSGS creates scar tissue in the glomerulus,damaging its protein-repellant membrane and is Characterized by scattered scarring of some of the glomeruli, this condition may result from another disease or a genetic defect or occur for no known reason.
IgA nephropathy
IgA also called Berger's disease is a kind of autoimmune disease. A causing an inflammatory reaction and leading to glomerulonephritis.
Diabetic kidney disease
Diabetes can lead to kidney damage (diabetic nephropathy) that affects the glomeruli.
Infections
Infections can also cause Nephrotic Syndrome such a HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
Medicines
Medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, penicillamine, gold therapy, or captopril.