Kidney disorder characterized by marked proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, increased coagulation, and edema

Results from a glomerular defect that affects permeability, indicating renal damage

Prognosis highly variable, depending on underlying cause

Some forms possibly progressing to end-stage renal failure

In children, 1 in 50,000 new cases per year

In children, peak incidence between ages 2 and 3

Slightly more common in males than in females

Glomerular protein permeability increases.

Urinary excretion of protein, especially albumin, increases.

Hypoalbuminemia develops and causes decreased colloidal oncotic pressure.

Leakage of fluid into interstitial spaces leads to acute, generalized edema.

Vascular volume loss leads to increased blood viscosity and coagulation disorders.

Renin-angiotensin system is triggered, causing tubular reabsorption of sodium and water and contributing to edema.

Certain neoplastic diseases such as multiple myeloma

Circulatory diseases

Collagen-vascular disorders

Focal glomerulosclerosis (developing spontaneously at any age, occurring after kidney transplantation, or resulting from heroin injection; developing in about 10% of childhood cases and up to 20% of adult cases)