The predictive factors for relapses in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome

Abstract EN

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.

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