EC Clinical and Medical Case Reports

Introduction: The nephrotic syndrome presents with a mixture of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and edema. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a combination of symptoms affecting the central nervous system characterized by headache, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, altered mental status, decreased alertness and seizures. CT and MRI show areas of vasogenic edema, especially in the parieto-occipital regions. Several case reports and studies have shown nephrotic syndrome as a possible risk factor for the development of PRES, and this review will discuss them.

Aim of Work: The aim of this study is to discuss nephrotic syndrome as a possible risk factor for PRES.

Materials and Methods: This review is a comprehensive search of PUBMED from the year 1995 to 2018.

Conclusion: This review discusses nephrotic syndrome and its possible connection with posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. Several studies and case reports have described a series of nephrotic syndrome patients who developed PRES. Hypertension, together with the use of calcineurin inhibitors in nephrotic syndrome, seems to be the main culprit for the development of PRES. More research needs to be done to clearly define the risk factors for PRES and draw precautionary outlines for nephrotic syndrome patients to avoid PRES.

Keywords: Nephrotic Syndrome; Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome; Hypertension Cyclosporine

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