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Risk factors for glucocorticoid-induced obesity in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome

Bethany J Foster1, Justine Shults, Babette S Zemel

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University School of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. beth.foster@muhc.mcgill.ca

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|June 15, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Glucocorticoid treatment for childhood nephrotic syndrome can cause obesity, especially in non-black children with recent exposure. Maternal BMI is also a significant risk factor for developing obesity in these patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Endocrinology
  • Nephrology
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) is a common kidney disease in children.
  • Glucocorticoids are the primary treatment for SSNS but are associated with significant side effects, including obesity.
  • Understanding risk factors for glucocorticoid-induced obesity is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of obesity in children treated with glucocorticoids for SSNS.
  • To identify risk factors associated with glucocorticoid-induced obesity in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study comparing 96 children with SSNS treated with glucocorticoids to 186 healthy controls.
  • Logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratios for obesity.
  • Classification of glucocorticoid exposure as recent (within 6 months) or remote.

Main Results:

  • Recent glucocorticoid exposure significantly increased obesity odds in non-black children (OR: 26.14).
  • Increased maternal BMI was a risk factor for obesity in recent SSNS subjects (OR: 1.35 per unit increase).
  • Remote glucocorticoid exposure also significantly increased obesity odds (OR: 5.22).

Conclusions:

  • Non-black race and increased maternal BMI are identified risk factors for glucocorticoid-induced obesity in children with recent exposure.
  • Glucocorticoid therapy for SSNS is linked to increased obesity risk, irrespective of exposure timing.
  • Further research into preventative strategies for obesity in SSNS patients is warranted.

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