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nephrotic syndrome

(Science: syndrome) A type of nephritis that is characterised by low serum albumin, large amount of protein in the urine and swelling (oedema). Swelling, weight gain, high blood pressure and anorexia are key features. Nephrotic syndrome can be seen with a number of illness that cause damage to the kidney glomerulus.

Examples include diabetes, hereditary disorders, lupus, multiple myeloma, amyloidosis, glomerulonephritis, minimal change disease and membranous glomerulonephritis. A syndrome characterized by edema and large amounts of protein in the urine and usually increased blood cholesterol; usually associated with glomerulonephritis or with a complication of various systemic diseases.