Summary

• The most common form of nephrotic syndrome in children, characterised by minimal histological changes in the kidney; 90% of cases are idiopathic.
• Children typically present with peripheral oedema, although some are asymptomatic. Diagnosis is usually made on clinical grounds.
• Corticosteroid therapy is mainstay of treatment. Long-term corticosteroid therapy has significant adverse effects; therefore, if needed, corticosteroid-sparing therapies can be added.
• Renal biopsy usually reserved for those patients who do not respond to corticosteroid therapy or have frequent relapses, or for diagnosis of patients <1 year old.