Minimal change disease

Title

Other Names:

Idiopathic minimal change nephrotic syndrome; Minimal change nephrotic syndrome; Minimal change glomerulopathy; Idiopathic minimal change nephrotic syndrome; Minimal change nephrotic syndrome; Minimal change glomerulopathy; MCNS See More

Categories:

Kidney and Urinary Diseases; RDCRN

Summary Summary

Minimal change disease is a kidney disorder that can lead to nephrotic syndrome, although the nephrons of the kidney look normal under a regular microscope. The most common symptom is swelling around the eyes, face, abdomen, and legs. Other features include poor appetite, weight gain, and a foamy appearance of the urine.^[1]^[2] The cause of minimal change disease is unknown, but it may occur following an allergic reaction, immunization, or viral infection. Treatment may involve the use of steroids such as prednisone. Children often respond better to this therapy than adults. Those who experience repeated relapses may benefit from the use of cytotoxic therapy, including cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine or chlorambucil.^[1]

Last updated: 8/4/2011

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Research Research

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are studying or have studied Minimal change disease. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

Patient Registry

The Nephrotic Syndrome Rare Disease Clinical Research Network (NEPTUNE) is a team of doctors, nurses, research coordinators, and research labs throughout the U.S., working together to improve the lives of people with focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis, minimal change disease, membranous nephropathy, and nephrotic syndrome, other or unspecified caused, through research. The Nephrotic Syndrome Rare Disease Clinical Research Network (NEPTUNE) has a registry for patients who wish to be contacted about clinical research opportunities.

For more information on the registry see: http://rarediseasesnetwork.epi.usf.edu/registry/index.htm

Organizations Organizations

Nonprofit support and advocacy groups bring together patients, families, medical professionals, and researchers. These groups often raise awareness, provide support, and develop patient-centered information. Many are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct people to research, resources, and services. Many groups also have experts who serve as medical advisors. Visit their website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

NephCure Foundation
150 S. Warner Road Suite 402
King of Prussia, PA 19406
Telephone: 1-866-NephCure (637-4287)
E-mail: info@nephcure.org
Website: http://www.nephcure.org/

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Learn More Learn More

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start

MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC), part of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), conducts and supports research on a broad spectrum of diseases affecting public health. Click on the link to view information on this topic.

In-Depth Information

Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Minimal change disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

Related Diseases Related Diseases

The following diseases are related to Minimal change disease. If you have a question about any of these diseases, you can contact GARD.

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