Urinalysis may reveal blood or variable amounts of protein . Fats may be present in the urine. BUN and serum creatinine may be elevated if renal failure is present. Blood lipids may be elevated. Blood protein levels may be decreased.
Treatment goals are to relieve symptoms and prevent of complications.
The disorder is usually chronic , requiring prolonged treatment. Corticosteroid, immunosuppressive, antihypertensive, and diuretic medications may be given in an attempt to control symptoms and retard progression of the disorder. Although the presence of antibodies indicates there is some type of immune response causing the disorder, suppression of the immune system with corticosteroids and immunosuppressives may not reduce symptoms in all cases. Treatment of high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be recommended to reduce the development of atherosclerosis. Dietary limitation of cholesterol and saturated fats may be of only limited benefit because high levels of cholesterol and triglyceride associated with this disorder appear to be caused by overproduction by the liver rather than excessive intake of fats.