Charlie is a 2½-year-old boy with a history of asthma and allergies. He is on several maintenance medications. His parents rush him to the emergency department because of increased lethargy, high fever, edema, and foamy urine. His laboratory results reveal proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia. What is Charlie suffering from?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Charlie's symptoms, including edema, proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and hyperlipidemia, suggest that he is suffering from nephrotic syndrome, a condition wherein the kidneys fail to retain essential substances such as protein in the body. This loss of protein results in edema and can lead to complications like infections, blood clots, and kidney damage. Charlie's asthma and allergies likely contributed to his condition, as these conditions can trigger inflammation that can also affect the kidneys.

Charlie Is a 2½-Year-Old Boy with a History of Asthma