THE MOST POPULAR DOCTORS NEAR ME Congenital Diseases and Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome Congenital nephrotic syndrome is rare and affects infants in the first 3 months of life. This type of nephrotic syndrome, sometimes called infantile nephrotic syndrome, can be caused by inherited genetic defects, which are problems passed from parent to child through genes infections at the time of birth More information about underlying diseases or infections that cause changes in kidney function is provided in the NIDDK health topic, Glomerular Diseases. What are the signs and symptoms of childhood nephrotic syndrome? The signs and symptoms of childhood nephrotic syndrome may include edema—swelling, most often in the legs, feet, or ankles and less often in the hands or face albuminuria—when a child’s urine has high levels of albumin hypoalbuminemia—when a child’s blood has low levels of albumin hyperlipidemia—when a child’s blood cholesterol and fat levels are higher than normal In addition, some children with nephrotic syndrome may have blood in their urine symptoms of infection, such as fever, lethargy, irritability, or abdominal pain loss of appetite diarrhea high blood pressure