ABSTRACT. Most patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) have frequent
relapses (FR); this is considered one of the main problems because of its association with a high
incidence of complications. The aim of our study was to evaluate the different factors that might
be associated with the occurrence of relapse in SSNS. This is a retrospective study of 80 patients
with SSNS conducted at the Pediatric Nephrology Clinic in the Al-Kadhymia Teaching Hospital
between January 2011 and November 2011. The study patients were divided into two groups: FR
and infrequent relapses (IFR). The age of the study patients was between one and 14 years; 45
patients had FR (56.3%) and 35 patients had IFR (43.7%). Males constituted 55 patients (68.7%)
and 25 patients were female (31.3%). The incidence of FR was high in all age-groups, except in
the 1–5 years age-group, and was higher in children living in urban areas. There was no
significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, place of residence and renal
functions. However, there was a significant difference in the presence of hematuria, time taken to
respond to therapy and duration of steroid therapy required; all were higher in the FR group. Our
results will help clinicians in identifying possible FR such that they may be monitored closely.
(FULL ARTICLE LINK) Read more ...
January 2016
|
|
|