[Nephrotic syndrome].

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is characterized by proteinuria > 3.5 g/day, hypoalbuminemia, peripheral edema, and hyperlipidemia. Common primary causes of NS are podocytopathies, such as minimal change nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and membranous nephropathy. In a subset of patients with primary NS autoantibodies against podocyte antigens can be detected. Diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, malignancies, infections, and medications are some of the numerous secondary causes of NS. Beside searching for secondary causes, a kidney biopsy is usually performed to define the entity of NS. Complications of NS include venous thrombosis, infections, and the development of acute or chronic kidney disease. Sodium restriction, loop diuretics, statins, possibly anticoagulation, and antiproteinuric therapy are important measure for supportive therapy in NS. In addition, immunosuppressive treatment is often required.