Renal & urology · UKMLA & AKT
Minimal change disease
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise minimal change disease — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
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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