Nutritional and nonnutritional management of the nephrotic syndrome

The nephrotic syndrome is a consequence of the urinary loss of albumin and other plasma proteins and is characterized by hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. The modifications in plasma protein composition have several effects on immune function, risk of thrombotic events, and vascular injury. In the present chapter, we describe the main metabolic, nutritional, and nonnutritional alterations in the nephrotic syndrome, as well as the evidence available in the literature, obtained by experimental and clinical studies, on the treatment of the nephrotic syndrome, including the management of edema, the dietary protein modifications, maneuvers to reduce proteinuria, lipid-lowering agents, and antioxidants.