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Minimal change disease   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Minimal change nephrotic syndrome; Nil disease; Lipoid nephrosis; Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome of childhood

Treatment

The goal of treatment is eliminating the proteinuria (protein excretion in the urine). Corticosteroids are usually effective in curing minimal change disease. Other medications such as cyclophosphamide or chlorambucil may also be used if the disorder recurs repeatedly after discontinuing corticosteroids. Treatment of nephrotic syndrome symptoms may be needed. This usually involves angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and diuretics to control or improve urine protein loss and swelling.

High-protein diets are of debatable value for symptoms of nephrotic syndrome. In many patients, reducing the amount of protein in diet produces a decrease in urine protein. In most cases, a moderate protein diet (1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day) is usually recommended. Sodium (salt) may be restricted to help control edema (swelling). Vitamin D may need to be replaced if the nephrotic syndrome is chronic and unresponsive to therapy.

Prognosis

Minimal change disease usually responds well to medical treatment, with response to corticosteroids usually within the first month. Relapse may occur but often responds to prolonged treatment with corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications.

Complications

• side effects of medications
• nephrotic syndrome

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms occur that are suggestive of minimal change disease.

If you have this disorder, call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, including side effects of medications used to treat the disorder.

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