Are plasma proteins a valid alternative for assessing nephrotic syndrome in children from low-income countries?

A diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children with edema relies on urinary albumin excretion and usually plasma protein (Pprot) and albumin (Palb) concentrations. In order to fit laboratory tests to optimal healthcare in low-resource countries, we established correlations between Pprot and Palb in children with NS (217 measurements in 60 patients) and in children with exudative enteropathy and chronic hepatopathy/liver insufficiency (186 measurements in 21 patients); all patients had repeated measurements at various stages of their disease. There was a good correlation between Pprot and Palb in children with idiopathic NS and genetic NS (ICC=0.8, p