What is nephritic syndrome? What are the symptoms? And how does it progress? This article will give you an overview of this disorder and its treatment. It is important to note that the prognosis for nephritic syndrome is dependent on the severity of the disease. Chronic nephritic syndrome tends to develop gradually, and in some patients it may not be detected for many years. The main effect of this condition is to reduce renal function, which can lead to high blood pressure, dialysis, and eventually kidney transplantation.
There are many causes of nephritic syndrome, including congenital nephrotic syndrome, which develops during the first three months of life. It is caused by a genetic defect or by an infection that occurred shortly after birth. Children with this condition typically experience frequent infections and are at risk for needing a kidney transplant. High blood cholesterol may also be a sign of this disease.
A high-protein diet can exacerbate the disease. Blood pressure medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin II receptor blockers, can reduce protein loss from the blood. Another treatment for nephritic syndrome is a temporary infusion of albumin, which is added slowly to the patient’s blood over several hours. Patients may also require hospitalization if their symptoms are severe.
