Minimal change disease

Abstract

Although minimal change disease (MCD) is a major cause of nephrotic syndrome in children, it's less common in adults. It develops from damage to the glomeruli with a loss of large amounts of protein in the urine. Early recognition and treatment is the key to a good outcome. This article describes the diagnosis, treatment, and nursing care of an adult with MCD.

Minimal Change Disease in an Adult: A Case Report

“…The pharmacologic treatment for MCD includes corticosteroids such as prednisone or prednisolone which induce immunosuppression and decrease the activity of T-cell cytokines. 5 MCD in children usually remits within a few weeks of starting corticosteroids, however, adult MCD responds less rapidly. Three to four months of steroid therapy may be required to induce remission.…”

“… 4 Such cases can be treated with immunosuppressive medications such as cyclosporine. 5 The patient was treated with tablet prednisolone 60 mg per oral once daily, tablet ramipril 2.5 mg per oral once daily, and tablet torsemide 20 mg per oral twice daily.…”

“…to follow a diet low in sodium, to be aware of their calorie intake to prevent further weight gain as steroid can cause weight gain and to be careful about taking over-the-counter medications such as NSAIDs because they can be nephrotoxic. 5 …”

“…to follow a diet low in sodium, to be aware of their calorie intake to prevent further weight gain as steroid can cause weight gain and to be careful about taking overthe-counter medications such as NSAIDs because they can be nephrotoxic. 5 In adult-onset minimal change disease, the longterm prognosis is excellent, as 75%-90% of treated patients remain in remission however, progression of the disease to end-stage renal disease occurs in approximately less than 5% of the adults and is often due to an alternative diagnosis of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). 6…”