nephrosis [key], kidney disease characterized by lesions of the epithelial lining of the renal tubules, resulting in marked disturbance in the filtration function and the consequent appearance of large amounts of protein (albumin) in the urine (see urinary system). The nephrotic syndrome can result from a number of conditions including streptococcal infection in children leading to chronic glomerulonephritis, reaction to toxins, diabetes, collagen disease, and other end-stage kidney diseases. The major symptom is massive edema. Corticosteroid therapy has been successful in treating certain forms of the disease.
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