Assessment of Linear Growth in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the linear growth in patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome receiving corticosteroid therapy.

METHODS

Two hundred forty-five cases, aged 1-18 y of both gender [53 - first episode nephrotic syndrome (FENS), 50 - infrequent relapsing (IRNS), 68 - frequent relapsing (FRNS), 46 - steroid dependent (SDNS) and 28 - steroid resistant (SRNS)] were included. Height Z-score, cumulative dose of prednisolone and steroid-related side-effects were recorded.

RESULTS

Median age at onset of disease was 3.8 y [interquartile range (IQR) 3-7] and median duration of follow-up was 4 mo (IQR 3, 10). Overall, 97 cases (39.5%) showed short stature (height Z-score <-2) after therapy; 27 had short stature before and 70 (28.5%) new cases (20 IRNS + 31 FRNS + 17 SDNS + 2 SRNS) developed after treatment. Median height Z-score showed significant reduction (-1.9 vs. -2.3, P <0.001) after therapy. Cumulative steroid dose (mg/m2) significantly decreased the height velocity in 50 cases (31 FRNS + 17 SDNS + 2 SRNS), who received steroid over prolonged period (r = -0.322, p = 0.023). Age at onset of disease (r = -0.328, p = 0.020) and duration of steroid therapy (r = -0.338, p = 0.016) significantly correlated with change in height Z-scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger age of onset of disease and duration of steroid therapy had significant relationship with linear growth.