Thromboembolism in childhood nephrotic syndrome: a rare but serious complication

The main clinical features of nephrotic syndrome (NS) are heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia and edema. In addition, multiple abnormalities in the coagulation pathway may be a consequence of the NS. Both arterial and venous thromboembolic complications (TEC) are relatively common and serious consequences of NS. In addition, arterial and venous thrombosis might be unexpected events during an exacerbation of NS. Embolic episodes may manifest in different regions of the body such as the brain or the lung. Hence, predisposing factors, personal and family history of TEC, thrombosis location and evolution should be always investigated in children with NS.