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The effects of corticosteroids on behavior in children with nephrotic syndrome

A S Hall1, G Thorley, P N Houtman

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Ward 27A, Leicester Royal Infirmary, LE1 5WW, Leicester, UK. ASHLJW@aol.com

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|October 25, 2003
PubMed

Insights

High-dose oral steroid therapy in children with nephrotic syndrome can lead to significant behavioral changes, including increased aggression and attention problems. These findings highlight the risk of clinically relevant behavioral side effects in this patient group.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Child Psychology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder affecting children.
  • High-dose oral steroid therapy is a common treatment for nephrotic syndrome.
  • Behavioral side effects of steroid treatment in children require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure the frequency and severity of behavioral effects associated with high-dose oral steroid therapy in children with nephrotic syndrome.
  • To compare behavioral changes in children with nephrotic syndrome to a control group.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective assessment of 12 children with nephrotic syndrome.
  • Standardized psychological questionnaire administered at diagnosis and after 4 weeks of steroid therapy.
  • Comparison with a control group of children.

Main Results:

  • Significant increase in total behavior scores (P=0.03) in the nephrotic group compared to controls.
  • Specific increases in aggressive behavior and poor attention were observed.
  • Four children (33%) with nephrotic syndrome exhibited clinically significant abnormal behavior, versus none in the control group.

Conclusions:

  • Children with nephrotic syndrome treated with high-dose oral steroids are at risk for clinically relevant behavioral changes.
  • Behavioral monitoring should be considered during steroid therapy for nephrotic syndrome.
  • Steroid-induced behavioral changes may include aggression and attention deficits.

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