Minimal Change Disease

Minimal Change Disease is a kidney condition that primarily affects the tiny filtering units called glomeruli. It causes the kidneys to leak large amounts of protein into the urine, leading to a condition called nephrotic syndrome. This results in symptoms like swelling (especially around the eyes and in the legs), foamy urine, and fatigue. The disease mainly affects children but can also occur in adults. Despite the significant protein loss, kidney function usually remains normal. The exact cause is often unknown, but it involves changes in the cells that line the glomeruli, making them unable to hold back protein.

Minimal Change Disease (MCD) is a glomerular disorder characterized by podocyte effacement visible only on electron microscopy, with normal glomeruli on light microscopy and negative immunofluorescence. It is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children and is thought to result from an immune-mediated injury causing podocyte dysfunction and increased glomerular permeability to proteins. The disease leads to massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. The pathogenesis involves T-cell dysfunction and release of circulating permeability factors, but no immune complex deposition. MCD is highly responsive to corticosteroids, distinguishing it from other nephrotic syndromes.