Lipoid Nephrosis is a medical condition that affects the kidneys. The word "Lipoid" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈlɪpɔɪd/, which means it's pronounced as "lip-oid". While "Nephrosis" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /nɛˈfroʊsɪs/, which is pronounced as "nef-roh-sis". The word "Lipoid Nephrosis" is also known as "Minimal Change Disease." It is a condition that can cause swelling in different parts of the body, including the legs, ankles, and feet. It can be treated with medications such as steroids.
Lipoid nephrosis, also known as minimal change disease or minimal change nephropathy, is a rare kidney disorder primarily affecting children but can also occur in adults. It is characterized by the abnormal leakage of protein into the urine, resulting in a condition called proteinuria, and ultimately leading to a decrease in the body's protein levels. The term "lipoid" refers to the abnormal presence of lipids, or fats, in the urine.
In individuals with lipoid nephrosis, the kidney's glomeruli, which are the tiny filters responsible for separating waste products from the blood, become damaged. The exact cause of this damage is still unknown, although it may be associated with a malfunction in the immune system. Lipoid nephrosis is considered an idiopathic disease, meaning its underlying origin is unclear.
Symptoms of lipoid nephrosis may include significant edema (swelling), especially around the eyes, hands, feet, and abdomen, due to fluid retention. Some individuals may also experience fatigue, weight gain, and frequent infections. Blood pressure may be elevated, and urine color may appear foamy or frothy due to protein leakage. Despite the significant proteinuria, the kidney function itself remains normal, and individuals with lipoid nephrosis typically do not develop kidney failure.
The prognosis for lipoid nephrosis is generally good, as the majority of children and adults with this condition respond well to treatment with corticosteroids, which help reduce protein leakage. Relapses may occur, but with proper management and medications, such as immunosuppressants, the disease can be effectively controlled, allowing affected individuals to lead normal, healthy lives.
The term "lipoid nephrosis" is derived from two components: "lipoid" and "nephrosis".
1. Lipoid: The term "lipoid" is derived from the Greek word "lipos", which means "fat". In medical terminology, "lipoid" refers to substances similar to or containing fats or lipids.
2. Nephrosis: "Nephrosis" comes from the Greek word "nephros", meaning "kidney". In medical terminology, "nephrosis" is used to describe a condition that affects the kidneys.
When combined, "lipoid nephrosis" refers to a kidney condition characterized by the presence of lipids in the urine. This medical term has been used historically to describe a condition known today as minimal change disease, a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children.