Effect of steroids on some hemostatic parameters in children with nephrotic syndrome

ABSTRACT

Disturbances in hemostatic parameters have been investigated in 20 children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome [15 boys and 5 girls], all were steroid sensitive. Studies were performed before remission with steroid [prednisone] treatment and after complete remission. Our aim is to determine the effect of steroids on these hemostatic parameters. Increased platelet count, platelet aggregation, serum fibrinogen and factors VIII and IX. While no changes in prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time were noted before remission and after remission with steroid therapy. But after remission platelet count, platelet aggregation, serum fibrinogen and factors VIII and IX were significantly decreased. So, the hemostatic parameters showed a tendency toward normality on steroid [prednisone] therapy, The correction of hemostatic parameters by steroid [prednisone] appeared to be indirect one by correction of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hypercholestrolemia and the hemoconcentration through effect of steroids [prednisone] on the affected glomeruli. We advise to give antiplatelet [as aspirin] to decrease platelet aggregation specially in cases with severe hypoalbuminaemia and haemoconcentration to avoid thrombo-embolic complications