Abstract
The nephrotic syndrome is usually a forgotten but very serious disorder characterized by higher proteinuria (>3.5 g/ day), hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia and edema. The renal function is normal in many cases but it depends on the etiology and duration of nephrotic proteinuria.
Refractery nephrotic syndrome may lead to end stage renal disease. The etiology ranges from primary to secondary glomerulopathy (mostly diabetic nephropathy).
The complications of nephrotic syndrome (infection, thromboembolism, accelerated atherosclerosis, malnutrition) could be potentially life threatening and should be prevent. The renal biopsy remains essential for early diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.