A renal functional disorder characterized by proteinuria, edema, hyperlipidemia and hypoalbuminemia. It results from damage to the renal vascular filtration apparatus. It is further characterized by an inflammatory reaction of the glomerular capillaries due to the proliferation of mesangial cells, expansion of the mesangial matrix and deposition of immune complexes causing subsequent thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. Sequelae may include hypertension, atherosclerosis, infection, hypercoagulablity and renal failure. [from
NCI]