Nephrotic syndrome during pregnancy requires assessment of the specific circumstances to determine whether to continue the pregnancy. Treatment includes controlling blood pressure, managing proteinuria, and monitoring kidney function; termination of pregnancy may be necessary in some cases. Nephrotic syndrome can be caused by gestational hypertension, exacerbation of chronic kidney disease, or pregnancy-related kidney disease, and requires management through medication, dietary adjustments, and regular monitoring.
1. Treatment: The treatment of pregnancy complicated by nephrotic syndrome must comprehensively consider the safety of both mother and baby. Commonly used drug treatments include glucocorticoids such as prednisone to control inflammation and proteinuria; antihypertensive drugs such as labetalol or nifedipine to control blood pressure; and diuretics such as furosemide to relieve edema. Dietary adjustments require limiting salt intake to no more than 5 grams per day, while increasing the intake of high-quality protein, such as eggs, fish, and soy products, and avoiding high-fat diets. Regular monitoring includes blood pressure, urine protein, and kidney function tests; fetal ultrasound and fetal heart rate monitoring may be necessary to ensure normal fetal development.
2. Regarding causes, nephrotic syndrome in pregnancy can be caused by a variety of factors. Gestational hypertension is a common cause; elevated blood pressure leads to a decrease in glomerular filtration rate, resulting in proteinuria and edema. Chronic kidney disease may worsen during pregnancy, especially in patients with pre-existing renal insufficiency, as pregnancy increases the burden on the kidneys. Pregnancy-related kidney diseases such as acute fatty liver of pregnancy or HELLP syndrome can also lead to nephrotic syndrome. Genetic factors such as familial kidney disease, environmental factors such as high-salt diets and infections, and physiological factors such as hormonal changes during pregnancy can all induce or exacerbate nephrotic syndrome.
3. Regarding management recommendations, nephrotic syndrome during pregnancy requires multidisciplinary collaborative management. Drug treatment should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor, avoiding the use of medications harmful to the fetus. Dietary adjustments should be individualized, with plans tailored to renal function and nutritional status. For exercise, light activities such as walking or prenatal yoga are recommended, avoiding strenuous exercise. Psychological support is also important, as nephrotic syndrome during pregnancy may increase the risk of anxiety and depression; stress can be alleviated through psychological counseling or support groups. If the condition is severe or there are fetal developmental abnormalities, timely termination of pregnancy is necessary to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
Nephrotic syndrome during pregnancy requires comprehensive assessment based on the severity of the condition and fetal development. Management involves medication, dietary adjustments, and regular monitoring; termination of pregnancy may be necessary in some cases. Timely medical attention and standardized treatment are crucial for ensuring the safety of both mother and baby. Patients should actively cooperate by maintaining a positive attitude and healthy lifestyle.