A child is taken to a pediatrician because his mother notices that his eyes appear very puffy. The mother said that the boy's eyes appeared normal two days ago, and pa of what caused her concern was that her child seemed to be rapidly becoming ill. On physical examination, the boy is noted to have generalized edema. No hypeension or jaundice is noted. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine are within normal limits. A urine sample is collected, and the nurse notices that the top of the urine has a small amount of foam at the top. Urinalysis is negative for glucose, red cells, white cells, casts, crystals, and bacteria. A 24-hr-urine specimen is collected, which demonstrates proteinuria of 55 mg/h/m2. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
Proteinuria greater than 40 mg/h/m2 in a child or 3.5 g/d/1.73 m2 in an adult produces nephrotic syndrome, which is characterized by generalized edema, often most noticeable in the face. The condition develops when large amounts of protein are spilled through the glomeruli into the duct system of the kidneys. In contrast, nephritic syndrome is accompanied by lower levels of proteinuria, together with microscopic or macroscopic hematuria (red cells and blood in urine). Acute and chronic renal failure are characterized by rising serum levels of BUN and creatinine. The findings seen do not suggest lower urinary tract disease, which is typically due to a lower urinary tract infection (which would show bacteria and white cells), calculi (crystals would likely be present), or tumor (which would show abnormal bladder epithelial cells).
Acute renal failure
Chronic renal failure
Lower urinary tract disease
Nephrotic syndrome