Overview of Nephrotic Syndrome By Frank O'Brien, MD, Washington University in St Louis Reviewed / Revised Jun 2023 View Patient Education Etiology Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Key Points Topic Resources Body Surface Area (Du Bois... Urinary Protein Excretion... Causes of Nephrotic Syndrome Complications of Nephrotic... Nephrotic syndrome is urinary excretion of > 3 g of protein / day due to a glomerular disorder plus edema and hypoalbuminemia.