[Family occurrence of steroid-sensitive idiopathic nephrotic syndrome]

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) presented within three weeks in siblings aged six and ten years. Both children experienced proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia and oedema, with the most pronounced symptoms in the older. Standard treatment with prednisolone led to remission of the nephrotic syndrome in the younger, whereas the older required additional therapy with tacrolismus before remission. In view of the low incidence of NS in children, a near simultaneously onset in two siblings must lead to genetic elucidation. Genetic disorders and other causes of childhood NS are discussed.