Steroid effects on minimal lesion nephrotic syndrome with and without immune deposits.

A comparison was done between the two groups of MLNS (minimal lesion nephrotic syndrome) with and without mesangial deposits of immunoglobulin and complement. The subjects were 40 patients with MLNS whose kidney could be obtained by biopsy. No significant differences were found between the two groups in selective protein index, serum cholesterol level, serum albumin level, amount of 24 hour urine protein, hematuria, serum immunoglobulin level and response to steroid therapy. Ig M was deposited in eleven of fourteen patients with MLNS, Ig G three of fourteen, C3 thirteen of fourteen. There was no relationship between serum level and glomerular deposition of immunoglobulin and complement.