Renal & urology · UKMLA & AKT
Minimal change disease
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children - ~90% of cases under age 10; peak age 1-5 years
- Light microscopy normal - diagnosis confirmed only on electron microscopy (diffuse podocyte foot process effacement); immunofluorescence negative
- Haematuria and hypertension are uncommon - their presence should prompt reconsideration of the diagnosis
Normal light microscopy + nephrotic syndrome in a child = MCD until proven otherwise. Electron microscopy is the gold standard but biopsy is NOT needed first-line in children with typical presentation.
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