A 6-year-old boy presents with periorbital edema, frothy urine, and hypoalbuminemia. Renal biopsy with electron microscopy shows diffuse effacement of podocyte foot processes with no immune deposits on immunofluorescence. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?
- A Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
- B Membranous nephropathy
- C Minimal change disease ✓
- D IgA nephropathy
Correct answer: C. Minimal change disease
Explanation
Minimal change disease is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children. Electron microscopy characteristically shows diffuse podocyte foot process effacement with no electron-dense deposits. Immunofluorescence is negative, distinguishing it from immune-complex–mediated glomerulopathies. It is steroid-responsive in the majority of cases.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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