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 and expansion of the mesangial matrix. Sequelae may include hypertension, atherosclerosis, infection, hypercoagulablity and renal failure. [from
NCI]