Medical Definition of Minimal-change disease

1. A disorder of the kidneys which largely affects the glomerulus, the blood filtering structure. This disorder is one common cause of nephrotic syndrome, minimal glomerular changes, in children affecting 2 to 3 children per 100,000 population under age 16 in the USA. Minimal change disease is also seen rarely in adults. The cause is unknown but may be related to an autoimmune illness. It is marked by oedema, albuminuria, and an increase in cholesterol in the blood, but otherwise with fairly good renal function. Tubular epithelium is vacuolated by cholesterol droplets, but the glomeruli show only that the foot processes of the glomerular epithelial cells are fused, probably secondary to the proteinuria; the cause of the increased glomerular permeability to plasma protein is unknown. Risk factors include a history for a immune disorder, recent immunisation or a bee sting. Diagnosis is made by renal biopsy. Treatment include systemic corticosteroids which are usually quite effective in curing this disease. Other medications include chlorambucil and cyclophosphamide. In most cases, a moderate protein diet (1 gram protein per Kg body weight per day) will be recommended. Salt (sodium) restriction can be helpful to reduce swelling and vitamin D is usually supplemented. Synonym: lipoid nephrosis (27 Sep 1997)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Minimal-change Disease

minilecture
minilectures
miniloan
miniloans
miniloci
minilocus
minim
minim rest
minim rests
minima
minimainframe
minimainframes
minimajor
minimajors
minimal
minimal-change disease (current term)
minimal-change nephrotic syndrome
minimal air
minimal alveolar concentration
minimal amplitude nystagmus
minimal anaesthetic concentration
minimal art
minimal brain damage
minimal brain dysfunction
minimal deviation melanoma
minimal dose
minimal infecting dose
minimal inhibitory concentration
minimal lethal dose
minimal medium

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