ABSTRACT
Background & Objectives: It has been noted that certain factors like diet, malnutrition, genetic traits etc., are known to alter the frequency and severity of lipid pattern. The Indian patient has a different dietary, constitutional and genetic background. Hence, we undertook a study to determine the spectrum of lipid abnormalities in children with nephrotic syndrome. An attempt was also made to correlate the degree of proteinuria and hypoproteinemia, with the rise in serum lipid values in cases of nephrotic syndrome. Methods: Twenty cases of Nephrotic Syndrome, 7 age and sex matched controls were studied. The samples were analysed for Protein profile and Lipid Profile. Lipid profile was measured 8-10 days after treatment of Nephrotic syndrome with initial levels measured within 24 hours of admission to the hospital. Results: There was a significant increase in Total cholesterol, LDLC, VLDL, Non-HDLC, serum phospholipids and triglycerides levels in Nephrotic syndrome patients when compared to normal controls (P<0.0001). There was significant decrease in Total protein, serum albumin and HDL-C in Nephrotic patients when compared to Controls. There was a significant difference between the initial and follow-up Lipid profile levels in these patients (p <0.001). Interpretation & Conclusion: Our study concludes that, in nephrotic syndrome, there is generalized hyperlipidemia (except HDL) and hypoalbuminemia. The serum cholesterol level in first episode nephrotic syndrome reaches normal at the end of steroid therapy. Hence there is a rationale for treatment.