User:Mr. Ibrahem/Minimal change disease

Minimal change disease (MCD) is a kidney disease with significant protein in the urine but a relatively normal kidney biopsy when examined by a light microscope. Symptoms include swelling and foamy urine. Complications can include blood clots, infections, dehydration, and high cholesterol. Kidney failure is rare.

The cause is generally unknown. It may be triggered by an allergic reaction; or less commonly, infections such as tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis C. NSAIDs, antibiotics, sulfasalazine and bisphonates have been suggested as triggers. The underlying mechanism involves damage to the glomeruli. Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms together with urine and lab tests. If the diagnosis is unclear a kidney biopsy may be useful.

Treatment may include corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, or cyclosporine. High blood pressure may be managed with an ACE inhibitor or calcium channel blocker. A low salt diet and a diuretic may be used to control swelling. Outcomes are generally good in all age groups. In more than 80% of adults, the disease resolves with treatment.

About 1 in 20,000 children are affected a year. It is most common in those around the age of 2 to 3 years old. In children males are more commonly affected than females. It is uncommon in adults. It is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children, and responsible for 10 to 25% of cases in adults. The disease was first described by Munk in 1913.