Peripheral arterial thrombosis due to the nephrotic syndrome: the clinical spectrum.

We reviewed the literature concerning arterial thromboses associated with the nephrotic syndrome and the hypercoagulable state. An illustrative case of peripheral arterial thrombosis and pulmonary emboli attributed to the hypercoagulable state of the nephrotic syndrome is included. In our patient, serum levels of antithrombin III, plasminogen, factor VII activity, factor VIII activity, and factor VIII antigen were abnormal. Arterial thromboses in patients with the nephrotic syndrome are often associated with steroid and diuretic use. In pediatric patients, a predisposing factor may be femoral venipuncture.