[24] They are usually described by the underlying cause, such as:[citation needed] Membranous nephropathy (MN) Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)[26] Minimal change disease (MCD)[26] Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Over 50 mutations are known to be associated with this condition.

[15] Albumin is the main protein in the blood that is able to maintain an oncotic pressure, which prevents the leakage of fluid into the extracellular medium and the subsequent formation of edemas.

[citation needed] As a response to hypoproteinemia the liver commences a compensatory mechanism involving the synthesis of proteins, such as alpha-2 macroglobulin and lipoproteins.

Along with obtaining a complete medical history, a series of biochemical tests are required in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis that verifies the presence of the illness.

Electrolytes and urea levels may also be analysed at the same time as creatinine (EUC test) in order to evaluate kidney function.

[35] However, this procedure is usually reserved for adults as the majority of children experience minimal change disease that has a remission rate of 95% with corticosteroids.

[37] Further investigations are indicated if the cause is not clear including analysis of auto-immune markers (ANA, ASOT, C3, cryoglobulins, serum electrophoresis), or ultrasound of the whole abdomen.

In addition, when Metastatic cancer spreads to the lungs or abdomen it causes effusions and fluid accumulation due to obstruction of lymphatic vessels and veins, as well as serous exudation.

[citation needed] The objective of this treatment is to treat the imbalances brought about by the illness:[44] edema, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidaemia, hypercoagulability and infectious complications.

It is usually good in children, because minimal change disease responds very well to steroids and does not cause chronic kidney failure.

Factors associated with a poorer prognosis in these cases include level of proteinuria, blood pressure control and kidney function (GFR).

[citation needed] Without treatment nephrotic syndrome has a very bad prognosis especially rapidly progressing glomerulonephritis, which leads to acute kidney failure after a few months.

[62] The syndrome presents in different ways in the two groups: the most frequent glomerulopathy in children is minimal change disease (66% of cases), followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (8%) and mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis (6%).

[62] The epidemiological data also reveals information regarding the most common way that symptoms develop in people with nephrotic syndrome:[62] spontaneous remission occurs in up to 20% or 30% of cases during the first year of the illness.

However, this improvement is not definitive as some 50% to 60% of people with Nephrotic syndrome die and/or develop chronic kidney failure 6 to 14 years after this remission.