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Nutrition and recommendations in nephrotic syndrome in children

Nutrition and recommendations in nephrotic syndrome in children

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Nephrotic syndrome is a clinical condition with various causes in which there is proteinuria >50mg/kg body weight/day or >3.5g/day, hypoalbuminaemia <2.5/dl. Often also elevated cholesterol and oedema.

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Nephrotic syndrome in children - nutrition and recommendations - Symptoms and course

Most often, the first sign of nephrotic syndrome is symmetrical swelling of the eyelids. The oedemas may rapidly increase and transudates into body cavities sometimes occur. The following may occur:

  • abdominal pain,
  • vomiting,
  • decreased urination.

Dietary recommendations:

In nephrotic syndrome, a proper diet is very important. It should be low in salt (limit salting of food, adding salt, consumption of smoked products, etc.). The degree of restriction should be adapted to the clinical symptoms - severity of oedema, hypertension. When oedema co-exists, fluid intake should be restricted. It is necessary to ensure that the child has adequate vitamin D and most often supplementation.


In nephrotic syndrome there is an increased risk of hyperglycaemia and hypercholesterolaemia. If serum glucose levels are elevated, the amount of carbohydrate intake should be controlled. In case of hypercholesterolaemia, limit fat intake. A high-protein diet or a low-protein diet are not recommended in children. A diet with a normal protein content should be followed. Additional vitamin D and calcium supplementation must be taken during prednisone treatment.

When to go to the doctor and treat

A child with nephrotic syndrome should be under the constant care of a nephrologist.