Causes of nephrotic syndrome
Kidney diseases often damage your glomeruli. The diseases target your glomeruli, though healthcare providers and medical researchers aren’t sure why. Damaged glomeruli are the primary cause of nephrotic syndrome. These diseases include: Amyloidosis. This is a disease in which amyloid proteins build up in your vital organs. Amyloidosis most commonly occurs in your kidneys, affecting their ability to filter. Diabetes-related nephropathy. “Nephropathy” means that your kidney isn’t working properly. In diabetes-related nephropathy, diabetes causes damage or dysfunction to one or more of the nerves in your kidneys. It typically causes numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and pain in your affected area. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). In FSGS, scarring affects small areas (segments) of some of your glomeruli. It may cause swelling, kidney failure and loss of proteins in your pee. Lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, swelling and pain throughout your body, including your kidneys. Membranous nephropathy. In membranous nephropathy, your body’s immune system attacks the filtering membranes in your kidneys. Minimal change disease (MCD). This is a type of nephropathy in which your kidneys aren’t working properly. However, a kidney biopsy shows little or no damage to your glomeruli or kidney tissue. MCD may occur at any age, but it’s most common in children.