Nephrotic Syndrome in Port Harcourt - Clinical Presentation and isiones Response to Steroids.

Abstract

Summary: Thirty tynde maint children who presented at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospi tal with nephrotic syndome were studied retrospectively. The peak inci dence was between the ages of 3 and 5 years. All showed heavy urinary protein excretion (> 40mg/m/hr), hypoalbuminaemia K25g/1) and hypercholesterolaemia (> 6mmol/l). Plasmodium falciparum was isolated from the blood of 2 patients (6.7%). Seven patients who had no evidence of sickle cell anaemia, hepatitis, hypertension or impaired renal function were treated with prednisolone 60mg/m2/day and went into remission in 10 – 30 days after starting therapy, (p = 0.001). Renal biopsies, perfor SET med in 3 frequent relapsers showed hypercellularity of mesangial cells with normal glomerular capillary walls, on light microscopy. In conclusion, steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome is not uncommon in the Rivers State of Nigeria and although the aetiology is unknown, it appears worthwhile treating such patients with steroids prior to a renal biopsy.