Adrenocortical function in Egyptian children with nephrotic syndrome

ABSTRACT

Plasma cortisol at basal level and 30 minutes after ACTH injection was determined in 30 children aged from 4-12 years by radioimmunoassay. They were classified as follows 10 as normal control group and 20 children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. They were from the pediatric nephrology clinic at Ain-Shams University Hospitals. 10 were at relapse and 10 were at remission. There was adrenocortical suppression in 50% of nephrotic patients. In patients at relapse the adrenocortical suppression was present in 70% [severe and moderate] while in patients at complete remission there was moderate suppression in 30% only. Cortisol substitutes were recommended in patients with adrenocortical suppression to prevent manifestations of suprarenal failure and to minimize the chance for subsequent relapses. Also the administration of ACTH was recommended. Results were discussed