Management strategy for idiopathic nehprotic syndrome in children.

Corticosteroid, alkylating agents, like cyclophosphamide and chlorambucil, have been used to treat idiopathic nephrotic syndrome for more than fifty years, changing the outcome of these children. However, with long-term use of steroid, especially high dosages, they have unbearable side effects. Newer agents like cyclosporine A, levamisole, tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, have been used to spare those unwanted side effects. In the choice of drugs, the benefits obtained will have to be evaluated against possible side effects, with drug cost also taken into consideration. Though most steroid sensitive nephrotic children may run a relapsing course, have a good prognosis with many becoming non-relapsers or infrequent relapsers in adulthood, the treatment approach should aim at using the minimal amount of drug required to keep patient in remission to tie them over childhood. As for steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome children, especially for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), because of possible grave prognosis of going into end-stage renal failure, more aggressive approach should be adopted, including the use of strong immunosuppressants, such as, cyclosporine, tacrolimus, or mycophenolate mofetil if necessary. The long-term goals of treatment, other than those of physical and medical conditions, should also consider the growth, education, and psychological impact of the disease and side effects of drugs on the child, especially during an adolescent period, so as to allow them having normal development into adulthood.