About nephrotic syndrome in children

Patient's question:

Hello, I would like to ask if nephrotic syndrome and nephritis are the same concept, and can the medicine used to treat nephritis be used to treat nephrotic syndrome? I mean general Chinese herbal medicine and some folk remedies. My child is 4 years old and was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome last year. He has been taking hormones and his urine protein was previously negative. However, recently it showed a +, and the hormone dose was reduced to one tablet, but the doctor has now increased it to two tablets. Last week, his urinalysis was negative again. I would like to ask if it is okay to take some Chinese herbal medicine now?

Doctor's answer:

Etiology of Nephrotic Syndrome in Children - Nephrotic Syndrome in Children Topic
Nephrotic syndrome is most commonly seen in children aged 3 to 6, with boys being more affected than girls. The exact cause is unclear, and the condition tends to recur and persist, with a prolonged course. Children with nephrotic syndrome can attend kindergarten during periods of stability, provided the kindergarten strengthens care for these children, which is beneficial for their overall recovery.
Medication: During periods of stability, children with nephrotic syndrome generally still require medication. Teachers and healthcare professionals should check the children's medication adherence daily. Since these children typically take diuretic corticosteroids, their urine output increases, requiring teachers to pay special attention and remind them to use the restroom promptly during class or activities to avoid unnecessary discomfort.
This disease is a clinical syndrome caused by multiple factors. Its characteristics include significant edema, large amounts of proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, and hypercholesterolemia. It is commonly referred to as "nephrosis." The etiology can be categorized as follows:
(1) Primary nephrotic syndrome: Associated with immune dysfunction.
- Simple nephrosis (common type), most prevalent in children aged 2 to 7.
Except for nephrotic symptoms, it does not accompany microscopic hematuria or hypertension. Renal biopsy results in over 90% are classified as minimal change disease.
- Nephrotic syndrome with renal inflammation (more common in children over 7).
Except for nephrotic symptoms, it is accompanied by microscopic hematuria or hypertension. Renal biopsy results, apart from minimal change disease, may show proliferative changes, membranoproliferative changes, or sclerotic changes.
(2) Secondary nephrotic syndrome: Secondary to conditions such as malaria, insect bites, systemic lupus erythematosus, allergic purpura, metal or drug poisoning, etc.
(3) Congenital nephrotic syndrome: Less common, onset in infancy.