MCD

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

MCD
Stands forMinimal change disease
Meanings2
CategoriesMedical, Texting & Internet Slang

MCD has two meanings. It stands for Minimal change disease (nephrology & urology) or Major character death (fandom and fan fiction).

Meanings of MCD at a glance

#MCD stands forContext
1Minimal change diseaseMedical › Nephrology & Urology
2Major character deathTexting & Internet Slang › Fandom and Fan Fiction

1. Minimal change disease

Medical · Nephrology & Urology Abbreviations

The leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in children, named because glomeruli look normal under light microscopy while electron microscopy shows effacement of podocyte foot processes. Most children respond to corticosteroids within weeks, though relapses are common.

Example: Five-year-old with periorbital edema, urine protein 4+, albumin 1.6: presumed MCD, starting prednisolone.

Children with typical features are treated without biopsy because MCD is so likely. In adults MCD causes a smaller share of nephrotic syndrome and may be linked to NSAIDs or lymphoma. Steroid-dependent cases may need rituximab or calcineurin inhibitors. Also called lipoid nephrosis in older texts.

2. Major character death

Texting & Internet Slang · Fandom and Fan Fiction Abbreviations

AO3 archive warning indicating that a major character dies during the story. Authors must choose it, or "Choose Not to Use Archive Warnings," when posting.

Example: Heads up, the fic is tagged MCD, so keep the tissues nearby.

One of AO3's four archive warnings, along with graphic violence, rape/non-consent and underage content. Many readers filter out MCD stories, while others seek them out for tragedy. Some authors add "temporary" or "not permanent" in freeform tags to reassure readers.

More nephrology & urology abbreviations

  • IgAN – IgA nephropathy
  • KDIGO – Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes
  • Kt/V – Dialysis adequacy index (urea clearance times time over volume)
  • LUTS – Lower urinary tract symptoms
  • NS – Nephrotic syndrome
  • OAB – Overactive bladder
  • PCa – Prostate cancer
  • PCN – Percutaneous nephrostomy

See all 71 nephrology & urology abbreviations →

More fandom and fan fiction abbreviations

  • LI – Love interest
  • LN – Light novel
  • MAL – MyAnimeList
  • MC – Main character
  • ML – Male lead
  • MMC – Male main character
  • MTL – Machine translation
  • NA – New adult

See all 59 fandom and fan fiction abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.