Minimal change nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disease that affects both children and adults. The spelling of "minimal" is pronounced as "ˈmɪnɪməl" with stress on the first syllable "MIn" and the "i" sound is pronounced as "ih". "Change" is pronounced as "tʃeɪndʒ" with stress on the first syllable "CHAY" and the "a" sound is pronounced as "ey". "Nephrotic" is pronounced as "nɛfˈrɑ:tɪk" with stress on the second syllable "RA". Finally, "syndrome" is pronounced as "ˈsɪndroʊm" with stress on the first syllable "SIN" and the "o" sound is pronounced as "ow".
Minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) is a kidney disorder characterized by specific pathological changes that occur within the small filtering units of the kidneys, called glomeruli. This condition is primarily observed in children, but it can also affect adults.
MCNS is called "minimal change" because, under a microscope, the glomeruli appear to be largely normal and don't show any significant abnormalities. Therefore, the diagnosis of MCNS can only be confirmed using a kidney biopsy. This syndrome is classified as a nephrotic syndrome due to its characteristic symptoms, which include excessive protein loss through urine, low levels of albumin (a type of protein) in the blood, high levels of cholesterol, and edema (swelling) in various parts of the body, especially the legs and ankles.
The exact cause of MCNS is unknown, but it is thought to be related to an abnormal immune response. It is believed that certain immune system cells produce substances that damage the glomeruli, leading to increased leakage of proteins from the blood into the urine. MCNS is usually treated with medications called corticosteroids, which help reduce inflammation and decrease protein loss. In most cases, children with MCNS respond well to treatment, and the condition usually resolves completely within a few months or years. However, in rare cases, MCNS may persist or recur, necessitating additional treatments or management strategies.