In children, what kidney condition is indicated by proteinuria and edema?

The presence of proteinuria and edema in children is characteristic of minimal change disease, which is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome in this population. This condition is marked by increased permeability of the glomerular filtration barrier, leading to significant protein loss in urine and subsequent hypoalbuminemia. The low levels of albumin in the blood result in decreased oncotic pressure, causing fluid to leak into the interstitial space, which manifests as edema.

Minimal change disease typically presents in children with rapid-onset edema and significant proteinuria but generally has a good response to corticosteroid therapy. In contrast, other conditions such as post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis typically show hematuria and hypertension, while chronic kidney disease manifests with a variety of systemic symptoms and complications due to prolonged loss of kidney function. Wilms’ tumor, being a neoplastic condition, doesn't usually present with the classic features of nephrotic syndrome such as significant proteinuria and edema. Thus, minimal change disease best fits the description provided in the question.