Nephrotic syndrome in Port Harcourt - clinical presentation and response to steroids

ABSTRACT

Thirty children who presented at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital with nephrotic syndrome were studied retrospectively. The peak incidence was between the ages of 3 and 5 years. All showed heavy urinary protein excretion (40mg/m2/hr); hypoalbuminaemia (25g/1) and hypercholesterolaemia (6mMol/1) 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; performed 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 biopy