Evaluation of children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in terms of allergies.

BACKGROUND

The etiology of minimal-change disease is not fully known, it is believed to be mediated by the immune system. Minimal-change disease also reported as having association with atopy. In this study, atopy history, the levels of serum IgE, and skin prick test in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome were investigated.

METHODS

A group of 30 children (mean age 7.7 ± 2.2 years, 56.6% male) diagnosed with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome were included in the study. Serum immunoglobulin E levels and eosinophil counts were evaluated in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome both in relapse and remission. Skin prick test was performed in remission.

RESULTS

Of the 30 children investigated, 11 (36.7%) had a history of atopy. The median serum total IgE levels in nephrotic children in relapse, with (445 IU/mL) and without atopy (310 IU/mL) were significantly higher than those in remission (respectively, 200 IU/mL, p = 0.021, and 42 IU/mL, p = 0.001). The skin prick tests for all the allergens were evaluated as negative in all the patients.

CONCLUSION

It was thought that increased IgE may reflect the activation of immune mechanism following various stimuli rather than a direct association with atopy in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome.