Nephrotic syndrome

Usually defined as urinary protein > 3g per day, with hypoalbuminaemia, generalised oedema and, usually, hyperlipidaemia.

Random urine protein and creatinine (protein/creatinine ratio) is generally sufficient to establish the diagnosis, although 24 hour collections are traditionally used.

Albumin, protein (total); cholesterol, triglycerides; urea, creatinine, electrolytes, eGFR.

Other useful tests include urine microscopy (cell count, red cell morphology); FBC and blood film.

Renal loss of immunoglobulins and complement components may predispose to infection.