Nursing Care of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome: Role of Family Participation

Abstract

            Nephrotic syndrome is a chronic disease in children. Eighty percent of nephrotic syndrome cases occur in preschool - aged children (less than 6 years of age). The ratio between boys and girls is approximately 2 to 1. Nephrotic syndrome requires long-term treatment and can be recurrent. Nephrotic syndrome is one of the disorders of the blood vessels in the kidneys caused by an abnormal immune system. Glomerular damage results in large proteins leaking into the urine, hypoalbuminemia, periorbital edema in the morning, and leg swelling in the late morning as well as a cholesterol level greater than 250 mg/dL. The treatment of nephrotic syndrome includes medication and nutritional therapy. Children should maintain a low salt diet with no fish sauce added, and they should increase their protein intake. Furthermore, children should take medications regularly, and they should not reduce or stop taking medication without consulting a doctor. The medication should be taken immediately after meals to decrease gastric irritation. Moreover, infection prevention must be controlled carefully. The most common medical problem is lack of knowledge and self - care practice, both of which cause complications and may lead to relapse of the disease. These issues may increase the severity of the disease and may lead to death.

            The concept of family participation plays an important role in promoting the health of children with nephrotic syndrome and their families to continuity of care, recurrent prevention, and slow progression of the disease to end - stage renal failure.