Role of cyclosporin treatment of nephrotic syndrome in children

Cyclosporin [Cs-A] was tried in 20 patients aged 1-15 years. Ten of these were steroid resistant and 10 were steroid dependent. At the end of 12 weeks, complete remission was seen in 8 steroid dependent and 2 steroid resistant children. These patients were followed up for a minimum period of one year. On the whole long term remission was seen in 4 out of 20 patients [2 steroid resistant and 2 steroid dependent]. There was no significant difference in the mean duration of remission between steroid dependent and resistant groups after stopping Cs-A [0.5>p>0.1]. Minimal change histology and steroid responsiveness was associated with better outcome with Cs-A therapy [p<0.01]. No major side effects of CsA were observed