Minimal Change Disease
Minimal change disease is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. It is also known as lipid nephrosis. The cause is almost always unknown but it has been thought to be associated with respiratory infections, use of NSAIDS and even Hodgkins disease. The clinical picture is the same as other nephrotic syndrome with certain differences. For example, the proteinuria in minimal change disease is highly selective and there's neither hypertension nor any progression to renal failure. Moreover, the diseases shows excellent response to corticosteroids. Renal biopsy and electron microscopy of the obtained specimen helps with the diagnosis. In electron microscopy the visceral epithelial cells show diffuse effacement of foot processes. The best treatment is the use of corticosteroids.
