Nephrotic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of which complication?

Nephrotic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of which complication?

• A. Cerebral hemorrhage
• B. No thrombotic risk
• C. Deep vein thrombosis
• D. Pulmonary edema

Answer: (C)

Nephrotic syndrome creates a hypercoagulable state because the kidneys leak anticoagulant proteins (like antithrombin III) into the urine while the liver increases production of procoagulant factors. This combination shifts the balance toward clot formation, making thrombotic events more likely. The most common thrombotic complication in this setting is deep vein thrombosis, as the venous system is particularly susceptible to the increased coagulability and stasis that can accompany nephrotic states. While edema and hypoalbuminemia are hallmark features, the risk here is primarily thrombotic rather than a major bleeding issue or nonthrombotic problems; pulmonary edema can occur but is not the thrombotic complication being described, and suggesting there’s no thrombotic risk isn’t accurate.

Nephrotic syndrome creates a hypercoagulable state because the kidneys leak anticoagulant proteins (like antithrombin III) into the urine while the liver increases production of procoagulant factors. This combination shifts the balance toward clot formation, making thrombotic events more likely. The most common thrombotic complication in this setting is deep vein thrombosis, as the venous system is particularly susceptible to the increased coagulability and stasis that can accompany nephrotic states. While edema and hypoalbuminemia are hallmark features, the risk here is primarily thrombotic rather than a major bleeding issue or nonthrombotic problems; pulmonary edema can occur but is not the thrombotic complication being described, and suggesting there’s no thrombotic risk isn’t accurate.