A characteristic feature of nephrotic syndrome in children –
Acute nephritic syndrome 

Nephritic syndrome is a collection of signs associated with disorders affecting the kidneys, more specifically glomerular disorders and is characterized by haematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, oedema and oliguria.

1. Haematuria

The haematuria is slight giving the urine smoke appearance.
Erythrocytes are detectable by microscopy or by chemical testing for haemoglobin.
Presence of RBC casts in urine is a classical feature of nephrotic syndrome.

2. Proteinuria

Proteinuria is mild (< 3 gm/day) also called nephritic range proteinuria or subnephrotic range proteinuria.
Proteinuria is nonselective.


Edema → Usually mild and results from sodium and water retention.
Hypertension → Is variable depending upon the severity of the glomerular disease.
Oliguria → Reflects the severity of glomerular involvement.

Note -
Oedema and proteinuria are not as severe as in nephrotic syndrome.
Lipid casts in urine
WBC casts in urine
RBC casts in urine
Albumin in urine