Long versus standard initial prednisolone therapy in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

The efficacy of longer initial course of prednisolone with standard regimen was compared in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). It was a randomized controlled trial in which patients with INS who responded to initial course of prednisolone, either long or standard regimen were included and followed for one year after completion of treatment of first attack. The long regimen consisted of prednisolone 60mg/m²/day for six weeks followed by 40mg/m² every alternate day single morning dose for further six weeks. The standard regimen consisted of prednisolone 60mg/m²/day for four weeks followed by 40mg/m² every alternate day single morning dose for further four weeks. There were 93 children who fulfilled the criteria of the study, 47 from long group and 46 from standard group though ultimately 72 completed the study (41 from long and 31 from standard group). The primary outcome measure was relapse within next one year. Relapse within one year was noted in 73.2% of long and 64.5% of standard group. The odds ratio for relapse within one year was 0.80 (95% confidence interval 0.22, 2.05). This did not reach statistical significance (p=0.696). Adverse effects of prednisolone between two groups were also not statistically significant (p>0.05). Prolongation of prednisolone therapy for initial episode of steroid-sensitive INS does not have a beneficial effect on the outcome in next one year.