Primary (genetic) causes Mutations in the following five genes account for greater than 80% of the genetic causes of<unk> : * NPHS1 (Finnish Type): The gene NPHS1 encodes for the protein nephrin. This genetic variant is characterized by severe protein loss in the first several days to weeks of life. Fin-major and Fin-minor were the first two main genetic mutations identified in Finnish newborns, however, numerous mutations have now been identified in patients all over the world from various ethnic groups. NPHS1 mutations are the most common cause of primary<unk> , accounting for 40-80% of cases. * NPHS2: This gene encodes for the protein podocin. Patients with this genetic mutation develop<unk><unk>  in the first few weeks of infancy, but can also manifest symptoms later in life. Urinary protein loss is less severe when compared with the Finnish type. Both nephrin and podocin play important roles in the structure and function of the podocyte filtration slit diaphragm and disease involvement is typically limited to the kidneys * WT1: The Wilms' tumor suppressor gene regulates the expression of many genes involved in kidney and urogenital development. Mutations lead to several types of developmental<unk> s, including Denys-Drash<unk> , Frasier<unk> , WAGR<unk>  (Wilms tumor, aniridia, genitourinary abnormalities, and mental retardation), and isolated<unk><unk>  in infants. Depending on the specific<unk> , patients are at risk for Wilms' and other tumors, genital abnormalities, and<unk><unk> . * LAMβ2 (Pierson<unk> : This gene encodes for the protein laminin β2, which helps attach podocytes to the glomerular basement membrane. Patients with Pierson<unk>  have eye abnormalities, including nonreactive narrowing of the pupils (microcoria), and neurologic deficits. * PLCε1: Codes for the enzyme Phospholipase Cε1, which is expressed in podocytes. Secondary Causes *<unk>  infections: syphilis, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, rubella, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), malaria, hepatitis B * Immunologic: maternal systemic lupus erythematosus
Congenital nephrotic syndrome
Cystic kidney disease
Medullary cystic kidney disease
Glomerulocystic kidney disease
Juvenile nephronophthisis
Malarial nephropathy
Polycystic kidney disease
Transplant glomerulopathy