Nephrotic syndrome in children: challenges and solutions

Abstract

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is found to be commonest
glomerulopathy in pediatric age group. The reported
incidence is 2 to 7 per 100,000 children and a prevalence
of about 16 per 100,000 children amongst [1].
Of Pediatric age group 80-90% are found to be Steroid –
sensitive, however around 80% of them do relapse after
initial response. Half of them adopt steroid dependent
(SD) course which is defined as relapse while on tapering
doses of steroids or within 14 days of cessation of
treatment. Frequent relapses (FR) are 2 or more relapses
in six months and 4 or more relapses in one year.
Relapses are associated with increases morbidity and
mortality related to increased chance of infections,
thrombosis and acute kidney injury [2,3]. Relapses are
treated with high doses of steroids for induction of
remission which lead to increased steroid toxicity and
side effects.