Persons' Experiences of Suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome

Exploring the meaning of life among Chinese adolescents with nephrotic syndrome: determinants and psychological correlates

Background

Adolescents with Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) confront unique challenges that influence their Meaning of Life (MOL), a concept crucial for psychological resilience. The chronic nature of NS and its associated burdens necessitate a deeper exploration of MOL and its determinants within this demographic, previously underexamined in research. This study aims to investigate MOL among Chinese adolescents with NS, identifying key factors influencing their sense of meaning and examining the interrelations with Subjective Well-Being (SWB) and Psychological Security (PS).

Methods

Employing a cross-sectional survey design, we analyzed 150 adolescents with NS from Baise City, Guangxi, using the Purpose in Life (PIL) scale alongside PS and SWB scales. Sociodemographic and disease-related variables were assessed for their impact on MOL. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression, and correlation analyses to explore predictors of MOL and its association with SWB and PS.

Results

A significant proportion (62.0%) of participants exhibited MOL scores below the threshold, indicating diminished life meaning. Critical factors impacting MOL included 'left-behind' status, family structure, educational disruptions, and NS duration. Strong correlations emerged between MOL, SWB (r = 0.70, p < 0.01), and PS, highlighting the interdependence of these psychological dimensions. The study further revealed 'Proactivity' as a vital component of MOL, suggesting that despite their challenges, adolescents with NS maintain a keen engagement with life. Key aspects such as 'Certainty in Control', 'Mood of Melancholy or Pleasure', and 'Vitality' emerged as crucial for intervention.

Conclusion

The findings underline the profound impact of NS on adolescents' MOL, influenced by both sociodemographic and disease-specific factors. By identifying key areas for psychological intervention, this study contributes to the holistic care and treatment of adolescents with NS, advocating for integrated approaches that address their unique challenges and support systems.

Causes of nephrotic syndrome in Sweden: The relevance of clinical presentation and demographics

Background

Many pathological processes can disrupt the integrity of the glomerular capillary wall and cause a massive leakage of protein, resulting in nephrotic syndrome (NS). Clinical parameters such as age, sex, renal function, presence of diabetes, and how NS is defined influence the spectrum of underlying diseases. In this study, we examine how these parameters interact.

Methods

Age, sex, hematuria, proteinuria, plasma creatinine plasma albumin levels, and final diagnosis were retrieved for all adult patients with NS as an indication for biopsy and/or massive albuminuria in conjunction with low plasma albumin from the biopsy module of the Swedish Renal Registry (SRR) between 2014 and 2019. A basic calculator was developed to demonstrate the importance of clinical presentation in relation to the likelihood of having a specific diagnosis.

Results

A total of 913 unique patients were included in the study. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) and membranous nephropathy (MN) (both found in 17% of patients) were the most common diagnoses. With a stringent definition of NS, MN and minimal change nephropathy (MCN) increased in proportion. Among the cohort as a whole, MCN was the most frequent diagnosis in women and those < 50 years of age (found in 21% and 17%, respectively). In the case of patients aged between 50 and 70 years, those with chronic kidney disease stage 4, and those with negative dipstick tests for hematuria, the most common underlying disease was DN (in 23%, 30%, and 21% of cases, respectively). Among those with high-grade hematuria (dipstick grade 3 or 4), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was the most common diagnosis (14%), closely followed by IgA nephropathy (13%). Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (9.7%) was less common than in many comparable studies.

Conclusion

Clinical parameters have a profound impact on the likelihood of different diagnoses in adult patients with NS. Differences in clinical practice and study inclusion criteria may be more important than genetic background and environmental factors when explaining differences between studies in different parts of the world.

Effect of Chinese medicine prescription on nephrotic syndrome: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common chronic recurrent kidney disease. Many trials have shown that Chinese medicine prescription (CMP) can effectively treat NS. The program aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CMP for NS.

METHODS

This systematic evaluation will entail an electronic and manual search of all CMP for NS from inception to February, 2020, regardless of the publication status or language. Databases include PubMed, Embase, Springer, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registration Platform, the Chinese Medicine Database, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, the China Science Journal Database, and the Wanfang Database. Other sources of information, including bibliographies and meeting minutes for identified publications, will also be searched. A manual search for grey literature, including unpublished conference articles will be performed. Additionally, any clinical randomized controlled trials related to CMP for NS, regardless of the publication status and language limitations, will be included in the study. Study selection, data extraction, and research quality assessments will be conducted independently by 2 researchers. The main result was the total clinical efficacy rate or other validated scales after at least 2 weeks of treatment. Secondary outcomes included 24-hour urine protein quantification, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin 6, recurrence rates and adverse events during follow-up. Implement the Cochrane RevMan V5.3 bias assessment tool to assess bias risk, data integration risk, meta-analysis risk, and subgroup analysis risk (if conditions are met). Mean difference, standard mean deviation and binary data will be used to represent continuous results.

RESULTS

This study will provide a comprehensive review and evaluation of CMP for the treatment of NS.

CONCLUSION

This study will provide new evidence for evaluating the effectiveness and side effects of CMP on NS. Since the data is not personalized, formal ethical approval is not required.

INPLASY REGISTRATION NUMBER

INPLASY202040181.

Persons' Experiences of Suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Little is known about health and wellbeing among patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS), despite it being a serious condition in patients with renal failure. In order to promote health, it is important that both healthcare professionals and patients are aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

OBJECTIVES

The aim was to explore patients' experience of suffering from nephrotic syndrome.

DESIGN

An inductive, qualitative method.

PARTICIPANTS

Ten adult patients with either newly diagnosed or a relapse of NS treated in a University hospital, south of Sweden from February 2016 to February 2019.

MEASUREMENTS

Data were collected using open-ended interviews and analysed by means of Lindseth and Norberg's phenomenological-hermeneutical method.

RESULTS

Suffering from NS meant being a stranger in an unfamiliar world of symptoms, signs and medical treatment without professional guidance or piloting, illustrated by four themes: Feeling ill and well at the same time, Being passively adherent, Being in uncertainty, and Trying to comprehend and cope.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

The result provides an in-depth understanding of the illness experience among patients with NS and constitutes a foundation for clinical guidelines on treatment, follow-up and health promotion.

CONCLUSION

Patients with NS end up in a state of ambiguity due to a profound knowledge deficit that causes uncertainty and a lack of self-management. The experienced lack of professional self-management support is partly compensated for by social support from relatives, enabling those with NS to manage everyday life in a reasonable way.