GLUCOCORTICOSTEROID THERAPY AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENTOF CHILDREN WITH STEROID-SENSITIVE NEPHROTIC SYNDROME: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background. Body weight gain and growth retardation are common side effects of prolonged glucocorticosteroid therapy in children. Time for the appearance and elimination of glucocorticosteroid obesity as well as growth disorders require further investigations.Objective. Our aim was to study the relationship between glucocorticosteroid therapy and changes in physical development indices of children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS).Methods. We carried out a retrospective study of case records of patients with SSNS hospitalized in 2011–2014. Treatment of children was carried out in accordance with the Federal Clinical Guidelines. The Z-score (ANTHRO Plus) was determined for body length (height), body weight, body mass index and correlation of physical development indices with a cumulative dose and duration of glucocorticosteroid therapy.Results. We analyzed data on the treatment of 31 children, 18 of them received glucocorticosteroids for 6 months (Group 1), 13 of them did not receive glucocorticosteroids 6 months (Group 2). The Z-score of body weight in children in these groups was 1.64 ± 1.54 and 0.05 ± 1.19 (p = 0.004), Z-score of body mass index was 1.85 ± 1.64 and -0.54 ± 1.14, respectively (p < 0.001). Excess body weight and obesity were only observed in children of Group 1 (in 6 and 9, respectively). The Z-score of the body length of patients in groups 1 and 2 were comparable and did not differ from normal values (0.34 ± 1.08 and 0.52 ± 1.12, respectively, p = 0.655). Correlation of Z-score values of the body length and cumulative doses of glucocorticosteroids was noted (r = -0.87, p < 0.001).Conclusion. Long-term (at least 6 months) glucocorticosteroid intake is associated with the development of overweight and obesity in most children with SSNS. In patients who did not use hormonal drugs for 6 months, normal body weight values were recorded. The height of children with SSNS was within the range of normal values.

Keywords

• children
• nephrotic syndrome
• glucocorticosteroids
• body length
• body weight
• obesity