Skip to Main Content
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates: Visitor Guidelines & More

Safety Measures at Riley Children’s Health

We are taking thoughtful steps to ensure our spaces remain safe for patients, parents and caregivers. View safety measures, mask policy and visiting guidelines.

Information on COVID-19

Learn more about COVID-19, information about previously scheduled appointments and what you can do to help protect your child and family. View COVID-19 information.


Free Virtual Coronavirus Screenings

IU Health has launched a virtual clinic to offer individuals in Indiana regardless of age free coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings. View screening details.

Actualizaciones del Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Información sobre el COVID-19

Obtenga más información acerca del COVID-19, incluyendo las preguntas más frecuentes y lo que puede hacer para ayudar a protegerse y proteger a su familia. Ver información del COVID-19.


Restricciones para visitantes

Las instalaciones de salud de IU Health han implementado restricciones a los visitantes para ayudar a minimizar la propagación del COVID-19, la gripe y otros virus respiratorios. Ver restricciones para visitantes.


Información sobre citas ambulatorias previamente programadas

Para asegurar la salud y la seguridad de todos nuestros pacientes y empleados durante la pandemia del coronavirus (COVID-19), estamos haciendo ajustes en algunas de nuestras citas ambulatorias. Ver actualizaciones de citas ambulatorias.


Exámenes de coronavirus virtuales gratuitos

IU Health ha lanzado una clínica virtual para ofrecer a las personas en Indiana, independientemente de la edad, evaluaciones virtuales para la detección del coronavirus (COVID-19). Ver detalles de la evaluación.

Riley Children's Health
  • 317.944.5000
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Refer a Patient
    • Plan My Visit
    • Pay a Bill
    • Make a Donation
    • Volunteer
    • Health Information
    • Find A Doctor
    • Depts. & Programs
    • Research & Innovation
    • Contact & Locations
    • Refer a Patient
    • Log in to My IU Health
Riley Children's Health
  • 317.944.5000
  • My IU Health
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Refer a Patient
    • Plan My Visit
    • Pay a Bill
    • Make a Donation
    • Volunteer
Book Appointment Online with select physicians.
Request Appointment Online to schedule with one of our coordinators.
1.888.IUHEALTH for
Same-Day Primary Care Appointments.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.
    • Schedule an Appointment
    • Refer a Patient
    • Plan My Visit
    • Pay a Bill
    • Make a Donation
    • Volunteer
  • Health Information
  • Find A Doctor
  • Depts. & Programs
  • Research & Innovation
  • Contact & Locations
  • Log in to My IU Health
  • General Information
    317.944.5000
  • Health Information
  • Find A Doctor
  • Departments & Programs
  • Research & Innovation
  • Contact & Locations
Riley Children's Health

Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic Syndrome
  • Find A Doctor
  • Request An Appointment
  • On This Page:
  • Treatments
  • Key Points to Remember
  • Support Services & Resources
  • Locations
  • Departments Treating This Condition
Go back to the top of the page

Childhood nephrotic syndrome is not a specific condition but rather a group of symptoms that indicate kidney damage, particularly to the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidneys that clean the blood).

Symptoms related to childhood nephrotic syndrome that indicate kidney damage include:

  • Edema (swelling in the legs, feet or ankles caused by excess fluid in the body)
  • Proteinuria (large amounts of protein in the urine)
  • Hypoalbuminemia (low levels of protein in the blood)

Some patients may also have hematuria (blood in the urine) and develop high blood pressure.

Diagnosis of Nephrotic Syndrome

If your child has symptoms of nephrotic syndrome, his or her doctor may use the following exams and tests to help make a diagnosis:

  • Medical history. The doctor will ask for your child's complete medical history, including information about your family's medical history.
  • Physical exam. The doctor will perform a physical exam to look for signs and symptoms of the condition.
  • Urinalysis. The doctor may perform a urinalysis to analyze the urine for signs of the condition, such as a high level of protein.
  • Blood test.The doctor may perform a blood test to analyze the blood for signs of the condition, such as low levels of the protein albumin and decreased levels of overall blood protein. Your child's doctor may also test cholesterol levels in the blood, which can be high with nephrotic syndrome. In some circumstances, your child's doctor may also test for conditions that cause secondary nephrotic syndrome.
  • Renal ultrasound. The doctor may perform an ultrasound of the kidney to look for structural abnormalities or blockages.
  • Renal biopsy. The doctor may perform a renal biopsy to determine the cause of your child's symptoms.

Treatments

Treatments

Treatment for childhood nephrotic syndrome includes:

  • Medicines. Childhood nephrotic syndrome is treated with a combination of specialized medicines that include:
    • Immunosuppressants. Medicines that suppress the immune system, such as prednisone, are used to decrease the inflammation that accompanies certain kidney disorders.
    • Diuretics. Diuretics (water pills) help control swelling by increasing the kidneys’ fluid output.
    • High blood pressure medicine. Blood pressure medications reduce blood pressure and the amount of protein released into the urine.
  • Limiting salt and fluid intake. Both extra salt and water intake can make swelling worse when there is a large amount of protein being lost in the urine. By limiting salt and water (or any other liquid) intake, the swelling can be controlled to some extent. Your child's doctor will tell you the exact amount of salt and fluid intake your child should have when he or she has a large amount of protein in the urine. Once your child has recovered from the illness, he or she will be able to resume regular intake of fluid and salt.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember


  • Childhood nephrotic syndrome is not a specific condition but rather a group of symptoms that indicate kidney damage.
  • Symptoms related to childhood nephrotic syndrome that can indicate kidney damage include edema, proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia.
  • Childhood nephrotic syndrome may be treated with a combination of specialized medicines and/or through limiting salt and fluid intake.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted websites below to learn more about nephrotic syndrome.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

National Kidney Foundation

Visit this website to learn more about childhood nephrotic syndrome, including its causes and treatments.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Sort through 3 facilities offering Nephrotic Syndrome care by entering your city or zip below.

See all facilities

Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Nephrology & Kidney Diseases
Riley Children's Health Indiana University School of Medicine
Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2020-21

©2021 Riley Hospital for Children at
Indiana University Health
Find adult services at iuhealth.org

Get Informed

  • About Riley Children's Health
  • Family Support Services
  • Health Professionals
  • Medical Education
  • Newsroom
  • Riley Connections Blog
  • Careers
  • Legal Notices

I Want To…

  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Refer a Patient
  • Plan My Visit
  • Pay a Bill
  • Make a Donation
  • Volunteer

General Information

317.944.5000

Connect with Riley at IU Health

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • RSS
Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2020-21

©2021 Riley Hospital for Children at
Indiana University Health
Find adult services at iuhealth.org


Non-discrimination Notice

  • English
  • Español
  • Français
  • Burmese
  • Pennsilfaanisch Deitsch
  • 中文
  • Nederlands
  • Deutsche
  • Hakha
  • 日本語
  • Karen
  • 한국어
  • Русский
  • Tagalog
  • Tiếng Việt
  • العربية
  • हिंदी
  • ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
Back to top of the page