What is the Difference Between Nephrotic and Nephritic Syndrome?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚Nephrotic and nephritic syndromes are two distinct kidney disorders that have different characteristics, causes, and effects on kidney health. Here are the main differences between the two:
Nephrotic Syndrome:
- Characterized by severe proteinuria (high levels of protein in the urine), pronounced edema (swelling in the body), and usually normal blood pressure.
- Occurs when glomeruli do not properly filter the protein albumin, leading to elevated levels of albumin in the urine (proteinuria).
- Can be caused by various disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, amyloidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.
- Laboratory findings include hypoalbuminemia, massive proteinuria (>3.5 g/day), hyperlipidemia, and waxy casts and oval fat bodies in urine.
Nephritic Syndrome:
- Characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli (glomerulonephritis), renal dysfunction, hematuria (red blood cells in the urine), hypertension, and moderate glomerular damage.
- Occurs when inflamed glomeruli do not properly filter red blood cells, leading to blood in the urine (hematuria).
- The most common cause is immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (Berger's disease), but other causes include postinfectious glomerulonephritis and lupus nephritis.
- Laboratory findings include hematuria, proteinuria (<3.0 g/day), elevated BUN and creatinine, and red cell casts in urine.
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and management if you suspect either nephrotic or nephritic syndrome. Early detection and proper care are crucial for better kidney health.
Comparative Table: Nephrotic vs Nephritic Syndrome
Nephrotic and Nephritic Syndromes are both kidney disorders that impact the glomeruli, but they have distinct characteristics, causes, and effects on the body. Here is a simplified comparison table highlighting the key differences between the two:
Aspect | Nephrotic Syndrome | Nephritic Syndrome |
---|---|---|
Definition | A kidney disorder characterized by high levels of protein in the urine, low levels of protein in the blood, and swelling in the body. | A kidney disorder characterized by inflammation in the kidneys, blood in the urine, and high blood pressure. |
Causes | Diabetes, lupus, infections, and certain medications. | Autoimmune diseases, infections, and certain medications. |
Symptoms | Severe proteinuria, significant edema, and typically normal blood pressure. | Hematuria, hypertension, and moderate glomerular damage. |
Urinalysis Findings | Proteinuria (protein +++) and frothy appearance. | Haematuria (blood +++), mild to moderate proteinuria (protein ++), and red cell casts. |
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and management if you suspect either of these syndromes. Early detection and proper care can help maintain better kidney health.
- Glomerulonephritis vs Nephrotic Syndrome
- Chronic Glomerulonephritis vs Chronic Interstitial Nephritis
- SLE vs Lupus Nephritis
- Pyelonephritis vs Glomerulonephritis
- IgA Nephropathy vs Post Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis
- Nephrologist vs Urologist
- Glomerular vs Tubular Proteinuria
- Diuresis vs Natriuresis
- Acute vs Chronic Renal Failure
- Albuminuria vs Proteinuria
- Cushings Disease vs Cushings Syndrome
- Cortical Nephron vs Juxtamedullary Nephron
- Nephrostomy vs Urostomy
- Lupus vs Sjogren’s Syndrome
- NAFLD vs NASH
- Discoid Lupus vs Systemic Lupus
- Uremia vs Azotemia
- Wegener’s vs Goodpasture’s Syndrome
- Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) vs Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)