Here are a few factors that scientists believe could be potential contributing factors:
- Allergic reactions
- NSAID use
- Tumors
- Vaccinations
- Viral infections
Because scientists don't know why the disease happens, it is hard to gauge the progression of the disease. Typically, it won't be picked up on until it has already progressed to nephrotic syndrome and there are symptoms visible in or on the body. However, basically, the podocytes (the third layer of the glomerular filtration system) become effaced, which means soften, shorten and grow thinner and some fuse together and lift while too much space is left between others. Protein, which is a molecule that is needed in large amounts for our bodies to move, fight off infection, balance our pH levels and many, many more things, is lost into the urine.
Here is how the glomerulus work in a normally functioning kidney:
Recall that the glomerulus is a three-layered filter. In a person who is afflicted with minimal change disease, the third and outermost layer (foot processes of the podocytes) have fused together, thinned and raised and are no longer evenly spaced surrounding the capillaries, which makes it impossible for their foot processes to fit together properly and tightly. They now allow some protein molecules to seep out and into the filtrate (the liquid that is the first stage of urine.)
When protein is lost, your body cannot regulate the processes that need protein. You may end up suffering from:
- swelling
- shortness of breath
- needing to urinate more often
- hiccups
- fatigue
- trouble sleeping
- nausea and vomiting
- dry, itchy skin.
Eventually your body will begin to completely shut down. However, once diagnosed, MCD is manageable.
References:
http://web.a.ebscohost.com.offcampus.lib.washington.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=07f2944c-cf4a-4486-a156-1b0c1d133dc2%40sessionmgr4002&vid=5&hid=4214
http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/RENAHTML/RENAL102.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000496.htm
