Minimal change nephropathy in the west of Scotland: a review of sixty-four patients.

Sixty-four patients with a histological diagnosis of minimal change nephropathy have been followed for a median of 110 months. Patients transferred from paediatric units (11%) had a worse prognosis in that all became frequent relapsers. Patients who relapsed within three months or who went on to become frequent relapsers had a higher 24 hour urine protein excretion at presentation than patients who did not relapse. After fifteen months of remission relapse was rare; 97% of those who relapsed did so within 36 months. Patients who have been off steroids and proteinuria free for 36 months might therefore be considered cured.