The treatment of severe glomerulopathies in children using high dose intravenous methylprednisolone pulses

Abstract

Thirty-five patients, 29 with severe proliferative glomerulonephritis and six with either steroid resistant or steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome, were treated with high dose bolus infusions of methylprednisolone (pulses) followed by prednisone given orally in more conventional doses for 6 mo or longer. Twenty-one of the 29 patients with severe proliferative glomerulonephritis had sustained improvement in renal function after treatment. In addition, pulse treatments reduced proteinuria and urine sediment abnormalities in these patients. Those who did not respond had a long duration of disease before receiving pulse therapy. Five of six patients with the nephrotic syndrome had reduction in proteinuria and three of these patients entered prolonged remission after treatment. Few side effects occurred with pulse therapy. Our observations suggest that the use of steroid pulses may limit or prevent long-term major loss of renal function in many patients with severe proliferative glomerulonephritis. It may be effective also in treatment of some patients with steroid refractory or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. This therapeutic approach deserves continuing evaluation.