Minimal change disease

Abstract

This chapter discusses minimal change disease (MCD), which is chiefly characterized clinically by episodes of nephrotic syndrome (NS) and presents with massive proteinuria, hypo-albuminaemia, hyperlipidaemia, and generalized oedema, Morphologically, it is characterized by no or only minimal glomerular abnormalities in a renal biopsy examined by light microscopy and immunofluorescence, while there is diffuse effacement of the podocyte foot process by electron microscopy. MCD is the most common cause of NS in children but it may also develop at any age, including in the elderly. This chapter covers the pathology, presentation, and treatment of MCD, including practical tips for the practitioner.