Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a kidney condition marked by excessive protein loss in urine, reduced protein in the blood, elevated blood fats, and noticeable body swelling. It is a result of multiple underlying renal disorders. This article aims to provide an overview of the disease's epidemiology, etiology, advanced pathophysiological processes, clinical manifestations, and management strategies, focusing on modern diagnosis and therapy methods. Methods: A review of current literature, including case studies from 2021–2024 and clinical evidence on the causes, pathology, and treatment modalities of NS, was conducted. Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library. Peer-reviewed publications, clinical research, reviews, and meta-analyses related to NS were included, along with studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms. Data extraction was organized into three thematic domains: epidemiology, advanced pathophysiology, and emerging treatments. Results: The review of three pediatric NS case reports emphasizes the significant burden of steroid-resistant focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), which represents 20–30% of childhood NS cases. After reviewing various research, we observe that the first-line treatment was oral prednisone, intravenous albumin, and furosemide. In contrast, the reports also highlight that minimal change diseases (MCD) account for 80–90% of pediatric NS, with nearly 90% of cases responding promptly to corticosteroid treatment. Discussion: This narrative mini-review aims to summarize recent findings on the epidemiology, advanced pathophysiology, and emerging therapeutic approaches for NS. Results were compared, contrasted, and synthesized, with emphasis on linking epidemiology, pathophysiology, and treatment strategies. All data sources were appropriately cited, and no ethical approval or patient consent was required. In adults, FSGS accounts for 35–40% of kidney biopsy findings, while diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia remain major secondary contributors. Conclusion: Multidisciplinary management, early diagnosis, and personalized care are essential to prevent long-term renal damage in NS. Identifying the underlying cause is critical for effective treatment. Ongoing research into molecular biomarkers and targeted therapies may further improve outcomes for both adult and pediatric populations. Recent research also highlights the potential of mi-croRNA (miRNA) biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis in kidney diseases, with innovative liquid biopsy techniques under development for their detection.
Garg et al. (Wed,) studied this question.