What is the main characteristic of nephrotic syndrome?

The main characteristic of nephrotic syndrome is the presence of proteinuria and low albumin levels. In nephrotic syndrome, the kidneys are damaged and allow an excessive amount of protein, primarily albumin, to leak into the urine, which results in proteinuria. This significant loss of protein leads to hypoalbuminemia (low albumin levels in the blood), which is a hallmark of the condition.

The presence of protein in the urine and the corresponding low levels of albumin in the bloodstream are critical indicators for diagnosing nephrotic syndrome. This condition often leads to additional symptoms such as edema (swelling due to fluid retention) and potentially elevated cholesterol levels, but the defining features are the proteinuria and low blood albumin.

Understanding this relationship between protein levels in the urine and albumin levels in the blood is essential for recognizing and diagnosing nephrotic syndrome.