Treatment
Early and aggressive treatment is needed to control the disorder.
Treatment may involve:
- Antibiotics to control infections
- Blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors
- Diuretics (“water pills”) to eliminate excess fluid
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin to slow protein build up in the urine
Fluids may be restricted to help control swelling.
Removal of the kidneys, dialysis, and kidney transplant may be recommended.
Prognosis (Expectations)
The disorder commonly results in infection, malnutrition, and kidney failure. It can often lead to death by 5 years of age, and many children die within the first year. Congenital nephrotic syndrome may be successfully controlled in some cases with early and aggressive treatment, including early kidney transplantation.
Complications
- Acute kidney failure
- Blood clots
- Chronic kidney failure
- End-stage kidney disease
- Frequent, severe infections
- Malnutrition and related diseases
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your health care provider if your child has symptoms of congenital nephrotic syndrome.
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Congenital nephrotic syndrome : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Congenital nephrotic syndrome : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Congenital nephrotic syndrome : Treatment
Review Date : 8/19/2009
Reviewed By : Parul Patel, MD, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology and Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation, Affiliated with California Pacific Medical Center, Department of Transplantation, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
