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Final height in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome
1Department of Pediatrics, Toho University Medical Center, Sakura Hospital, Chiba, Japan. motoyan@basil.ocn.ne.jp
Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|September 19, 2007
Summary
Steroid treatment for childhood nephrotic syndrome can impact final height, with most patients achieving near-normal growth. However, some children experienced severe growth retardation, highlighting the need for careful monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Growth and Development
Background:
- Steroid treatment for childhood nephrotic syndrome can cause growth retardation.
- Immunosuppressive agents are used to reduce steroid dosage in frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome.
- Limited data exists on final height outcomes in steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the final height of children diagnosed with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS).
- To assess the impact of steroid treatment and disease course on adult height in SSNS patients.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 34 patients with SSNS diagnosed before age 15 who reached final height.
- Height standard deviation scores (SDS) and target height (calculated from parental height) were analyzed.
- Comparison of final height to target height and sibling height.
Main Results:
- Mean final height was 168 cm for males and 155 cm for females.
- Height SDS decreased from a mean of 0.37 at onset to -0.43 at final height (P = 0.0001).
- Final height was significantly lower than target height (mean difference -2.5 cm) and siblings (P = 0.007).
- Two boys with persistent relapses during puberty had severe growth retardation (146 and 150 cm).
Conclusions:
- Steroid treatment for SSNS has a slight impact on final height in most children.
- Two patients experienced significant growth retardation, indicating a need for close monitoring and potential intervention.
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