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Psychosocial and cognitive function in children with nephrotic syndrome: association with disease and treatment

Panagiota Manti1, George Giannakopoulos2, Elena Giouroukou2

  • 1Faculty of Health and Caring Professions, 2nd Department of Nursing, Technological Educational Institution of Athens, Athens, Greece.

Biopsychosocial Medicine
|April 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Children with nephrotic syndrome exhibit more internalizing behaviors like withdrawal and somatic complaints compared to healthy peers. Disease severity and steroid treatment duration correlate with specific behavioral issues, highlighting the need for psychosocial assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Child Psychology
  • Clinical Research

Background:

  • Nephrotic syndrome is a significant kidney disorder in children.
  • Understanding its impact on emotional/behavioral and cognitive development is crucial.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated these effects or the influence of treatment variables.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare emotional/behavioral problems and cognitive function in children with nephrotic syndrome versus healthy controls.
  • To investigate the association between disease characteristics (severity, duration) and steroid treatment parameters with these outcomes.
  • To identify potential psychosocial factors relevant to nephrotic syndrome management.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 41 children with nephrotic syndrome and 42 healthy controls.
  • Emotional/behavioral problems assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist.
  • Cognitive function evaluated with the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Third Edition (WISC-III).
  • Disease and steroid treatment data were systematically collected.

Main Results:

  • Nephrotic syndrome patients showed significantly more internalizing problems, specifically withdrawal and somatic complaints.
  • Disease severity correlated with somatic complaints and externalizing problems.
  • Longer illness duration and higher steroid medication duration were linked to increased anxiety/depression and externalizing problems.
  • Intelligence quotient (IQ) scores were not significantly associated with disease or treatment variables.

Conclusions:

  • Children with nephrotic syndrome may experience distinct emotional and behavioral challenges.
  • Disease severity and treatment duration are associated with specific psychosocial outcomes.
  • Psychosocial factors warrant thorough assessment and consideration in the comprehensive care of children with nephrotic syndrome.
Abstract

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