ALB and nephrotic syndrome: Nephrotic syndrome was diagnosed based on the following: 24 h urine protein > 40 mg/m2/h or spot urine protein, creatinine ratio > 200 mg/mmol, hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin < 25 g/L), generalized oedema, and hypercholesterolemia (serum cholesterol > 5.2 mmol/L).