Introduction of Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome

The onset or “first” attack of Nephrotic Syndrome can be a disturbing experience for parents and for the child. Nephrotic syndrome wherein glomerular filters are damaged can cause leakage of abnormal amounts of protein into the urine. When protein is lost in the urine, this leads to puffiness or swelling (edema), often of the eyelids, feet and ankles, and eventually the abdomen. If left untreated, this can lead to problems with breathing, eating and infections.

Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome can occur at any age, but usually begins between two and five years old. Because the swelling tends to develop slowly, it may not be recognized right away. By the time a diagnosis is made, a child may be very swollen and needs hospitalization. Nephrotic syndrome is known to be caused by an imbalance of the body’s immune system. The immune disorder causes certain chemicals to disturb the filters of the kidneys. These filters begin to allow proteins to leak into urine. Many attacks of Nephrotic Syndrome are brought by something that stimulates the immune system, such as cold, flu or other infections.

Children who are diagnosed as Nephrotic Syndrome are usually prescribed immunosuppressive medicines such as prednisones. The immunosuppressive drugs could remit the inflammations on the kidneys thus relieving symptoms. However, the disease tends to relapse easily. Most children will have at least one relapse or recurrence of protein in urine. Each relapse will need a further course of steroid treatment.

In general, steroid treatment for a relapse is for a shorter time than the initial time after diagnosis. Long-term use of immunosuppressive medicine treatment could suppress the immune system which lowers immunity and increases risks of recurrences. Proper treatment for recurrent Nephrotic Syndrome should include regulating the immune system, repairing injured renal cells and protecting healthy functioning renal cells. Combing western medicine treatment with Chinese herbal medicine treatment will be of help in improving the health of kidneys and stopping deterioration of the kidneys from Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome.