What is a common complication of nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by significant proteinuria, low serum albumin levels, and edema. One of the hallmark complications associated with nephrotic syndrome is hyperlipidemia.

This condition occurs because the liver compensates for low protein levels in the blood by increasing the production of lipoproteins. The decrease in albumin prompts the liver to release more cholesterol and triglycerides in an attempt to maintain osmotic pressure and overall protein balance. Consequently, patients with nephrotic syndrome often present with elevated levels of lipids in their bloodstream, which can lead to further cardiovascular complications if left unaddressed.

In this context, pneumonia, sepsis, and hypertension are not direct complications of nephrotic syndrome. While individuals with nephrotic syndrome may be at risk for infections or hypertension due to various factors, hyperlipidemia is a more direct and commonly recognized metabolic complication linked to the disease's pathology.