What is a significant finding in patients with nephrotic syndrome related to laboratory results?

In patients with nephrotic syndrome, a significant laboratory finding is elevated cholesterol levels. This condition is characterized by a loss of protein in the urine, leading to a hypoproteinemic state, specifically hypoalbuminemia. As the body recognizes low levels of albumin in the blood, it compensates by increasing the production of lipoproteins in the liver, which results in elevated cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides.

Increased cholesterol levels are a hallmark of nephrotic syndrome and can help in the diagnosis and monitoring of the condition. It’s important to note that while other laboratory findings may exist in nephrotic syndrome, such as increased BUN and creatinine due to possible kidney impairment or low serum sodium from various causes, the hallmark elevation in cholesterol is specifically tied to the metabolic disturbances caused by the significant protein loss in the urine.