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Mycophenolate mofetil therapy for children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome

Zhihui Li1, Cuirong Duan, Jinhua He

  • 1Department of Nephrology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Hunan, People's Republic of China. Lizh0731@yahoo.com.cn

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|December 3, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) effectively treats steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) in young children. This therapy reduced proteinuria and improved cholesterol and albumin levels in children under two years old.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) presents a significant therapeutic challenge in pediatric patients.
  • Early-onset SRNS, particularly in children under two years, requires effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in treating steroid-resistant idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (SRINS) in children under two years of age.
  • To assess the impact of MMF on proteinuria, serum albumin, and serum cholesterol levels in this pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 24 children (<2 years) with SRINS received prednisone followed by mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) at 25-30 mg/kg daily for 6-12 months.
  • Prednisone dosage was gradually reduced, and biochemical parameters were monitored every two months.

Main Results:

  • Complete remission was observed in 15 patients, partial remission in six, and three showed no response to MMF.
  • MMF treatment led to a time-dependent decrease in urinary protein and serum cholesterol, and an increase in serum albumin.

Conclusions:

  • Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) demonstrates efficacy in reducing proteinuria in young children (<2 years) with SRINS.
  • MMF therapy represents a potentially effective treatment strategy for SRINS in this vulnerable pediatric population.

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