Abstract
Edema is one of the cardinal features of the nephrotic syndrome (NS)(1), and can be mild or severe, localized or generalized. Although presence or severity of the edema does not correlate well with the renal histopathology or prognosis, it may present several clinical problems (Table 1). Severe, generalized edema or anasarca may be associated with circulatory collapse due to an important decrease in the effective arterial blood volume (2,3). Respiratory distress may result from increased pulmonary interstitial fluid (ITF), mechanical compression from pleural effusion, or ascitic fluid interference with diaphragmatic movement (4,5). Skin distension with rupture can be observed in the lower extremities and abdomen which could be the entry site for skin infections and/or cellulitis (6).