Minimal Change Disease Facts

What is Minimal Change Disease?
MCD is the most common cause of Nephrotic Syndrome in children - almost 85% of children with Nephrotic Syndrome symptoms have MCD. As a result, the term “Nephrotic Syndrome” is often used interchangeably with MCD.  The diagnosis of MCD is given when the kidney biopsy reveals little or no change to the glomeruli or the surrounding kidney tissue. Tiny drops of a fatty substance may be present, but no scarring is seen within the kidney.

What are some symptoms of MCD?
• Proteinuria – Large amounts of protein “spilling” into the urine
• Edema – Swelling in parts of the body, most noticeable around the eyes, hands and feet, that can become painful

How is MCD diagnosed?
A series of tests are ordered:
• Urine: determine the amount of protein in the urine
• Blood: determine levels of protein, creatinine, albumin, cholesterol and others
• “Glomerular Filtration Rate” (GFR): an estimate of kidney function
• Kidney ultrasound
• Kidney Biopsy: Removal of a small portion of the kidney for examination under the microscope

How is MCD treated?
Usually a steroid called prednisone or prednisolone