GuidelinesPrimary Care STG
Nephrotic Syndrome
Glomerular disease
N04.9
DESCRIPTION
Glomerular disease characterised by:
- Severe proteinuria, defined as:
- Children: ≥ 3 + proteinuria on dipstick test, or urine protein-creatinine ratio (PCR) ≥ 0.2 g/mmol on spot urine sample.
- Adults: ≥ 2.5 g/day, as determined by a spot urine protein-creatinine ratio measurement, i.e. PCR > 0.25 g/mmol.
- And resultant ‘classic’ clinical picture (not always present) which includes:
- Oedema,
- Hypoalbuminaemia,
- Hyperlipidaemia.
Accurate diagnosis requires a renal biopsy.
MEDICINE TREATMENT
- The management of glomerular disease depends on the type/cause of the disease and is individualised, guided by a specialist according to the biopsy result.
REFERRAL
- All cases.
Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines List for South Africa, Primary Healthcare, 2020-2024_Version 1.0_17 October 2024
Chapter 8: Kidney and Urological Disorders_8.3 Glomerular Diseases (GN)_8.3.2 Nephrotic Syndrome