Nephrotic Syndrome

Causes & Risk Factors

Nephrotic syndrome can arise from primary kidney diseases or as a manifestation of systemic conditions:

•  Primary glomerular diseases — kidney conditions that directly affect the filtering structures.

•  Diabetic kidney disease — a common cause of nephrotic-range proteinuria.

•  Autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

•  ANCA-associated vasculitis, in selected cases.

•  Certain infections and, less commonly, certain medications.

•  In children, minimal change disease is a particularly common cause.

Symptoms & When to Test

Nephrotic syndrome presents with a recognizable cluster of features related to significant protein loss.

•  Significant swelling (edema), often starting around the eyes and progressing to the legs and abdomen

•  Foamy or frothy urine, reflecting heavy protein loss

•  Fatigue

•  Weight gain related to fluid retention

•  Increased susceptibility to infections and blood clots, in more severe or longstanding cases

When Should You Consider Testing?

Testing is appropriate for significant swelling combined with foamy urine, or when nephrotic-range proteinuria is identified on routine urine testing, warranting further evaluation of severity and underlying cause.

Why Tests Are Combined

Urine protein/ACR and serum albumin together establish the core diagnostic picture — significant urinary protein loss combined with low blood albumin (hypoalbuminemia) is the defining pattern of nephrotic syndrome, and both need to be assessed together rather than in isolation.

Lipid profile is included because nephrotic syndrome is commonly associated with dyslipidemia (elevated cholesterol), a recognized consequence of the metabolic changes accompanying significant protein loss.

ANA, ANCA, and complement (C3/C4) are added selectively when an autoimmune or immune-mediated cause is suspected, since nephrotic syndrome from lupus or vasculitis requires different management than nephrotic syndrome from a primary kidney disease — this combination of tests helps direct the search for an underlying, potentially treatable cause.

Tests Available at NPL

Preparation requirements vary by specific test — please follow the instructions provided by your doctor or NPL for the tests ordered.

Home Sample Collection

NPL offers convenient home sample collection for Nephrotic Syndrome blood tests, so you don't need to visit a lab in person.

→ Book your test online, via the NPL app, or by calling +977 1 5970147 and select a convenient time slot for home sample collection.

→ A certified and experienced NPL phlebotomist visits your home at the scheduled time, following strict hygiene and safety protocols.

→ Your sample is transported under controlled, monitored conditions to NPL's NABL ACCREDITED UNDER ISO 15189:2012laboratory for processing.

→ Your digital report is delivered securely to your phone or email, along with access to download and share it as needed.

When to See a Doctor

•  Significant swelling, particularly starting around the eyes

•  Foamy or frothy urine with swelling

•  Unexplained rapid weight gain related to fluid retention

•  Known nephrotic syndrome with new or worsening symptoms