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.
Minimal change disease, there is damage to the glomeruli -- the tiny blood
vessels inside the nephron where blood is filtered to make urine and waste is
removed. The disease gets its name because this damage is not visible under a
regular microscope. It can only be seen under an electron microscope. Minimal
change disease is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. It
causes about 80% of cases in young children. It is also seen in adults, but
makes up only 10 to 15% of nephrotic syndrome cases.
Edema may be preceded by an upper respiratory tract infection, an allergic
reaction to a bee sting, or the use of certain drugs or malignancies. Facial
edema is noted first. Malaise and easy fatigability can occur. Weight gain often
is an additional feature. The blood pressure usually is normal in children but
may be elevated in adults. (In addition, the plasma creatinine in adults is
often slightly elevated at presentation.
There are some treatments for Minimal Change Disease. Some articles said that
Corticosteroids can cure minimal change disease in most children. Some patients
may need to stay on steroids to keep the disease in remission. Adults do not
respond to steroids as well as children, but many still find steroids effective.
Adults may have more frequent relapses and become dependent on steroids.
In order to avoid side effects, we usually apply Chinese treatments to the
patients. Superconductive Cupping Therapy is taking the cups as the treatment
tools. The cups are put and attached on the acupoint or the cupping place
surface to stimulate the surface skin or the cupping place appearing skin
congested and blood stain. In our hospital this therapy has been used to treat
the diseases of Acute Nephritis, Nephrotic Syndrome, Chronic Renal Failure,
Renal Anemia and Diabetic Nephropathy (DN).
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