The most common causes of proteinuria (and nephrotic syndrome) in adults are Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis Membranous nephropathy Diabetic nephropathy The most common causes in children are Minimal change disease (in young children) Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (in older children) Table Evaluation of Proteinuria History and physical examination History of present illness may reveal symptoms of fluid overload or hypoalbuminemia, such as eye puffiness upon awakening and leg or abdominal swelling.