Nephrotic syndrome in childhood

Despite being an orphan disease, idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children is the most frequent glomerular disease in this age group. Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by severe proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia. Edema is mostly present, especially at initial presentation. Nephrotic syndrome in children is a heterogeneous disease with respect to age of onset, etiology, histology and response to the standard treatment with glucocorticoids. This diversity strongly influences the diagnostic approach and treatment. As the prognosis of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome with respect to renal function is generally good, not only the efficacy but also the toxicity of different treatment regimens should be kept in mind when planning individualized treatment.