Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 18, 2026

Induction of Nephrotic Syndrome in Mice by Retrobulbar Injection of Doxorubicin and Prevention of Volume Retention by Sustained Release Aprotinin
Published on: May 6, 2018
Growth in Children with Steroid Sensitive Nephrotic Syndrome
1Graded Specialist (Pediatrics), MH Allahabad, UP:-211001.
Insights
Steroid treatment for childhood nephrotic syndrome can cause growth retardation. Higher cumulative steroid doses in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome correlate with more significant growth impairment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Growth and Development
Background:
- Nephrotic syndrome is common in children aged 2-8 years.
- Steroids are the primary treatment for nephrotic syndrome.
- Relapsing cases raise concerns about growth impacts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cumulative steroid dose and growth in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 35 children with SSNS.
- Divided into two groups: steroids only, and steroids with other medications.
- Measured height and calculated SD scores over one year, correlating growth rate with cumulative steroid dose.
Main Results:
- A negative correlation was observed between cumulative steroid dose and growth rate (Pearson's r = -0.341).
- This "fair correlation" indicates that increased steroid dosage is associated with greater growth retardation.
- Group I (steroids only) showed a stronger correlation (r = -0.441) than Group II.
Conclusions:
- Growth retardation is directly proportional to the cumulative steroid dose in children with SSNS.
- This highlights the need for careful steroid management to balance efficacy and growth.
- Further research may explore strategies to mitigate steroid-induced growth issues.
Background:
Nephrotic syndrome in children usually has an onset between 2-8 years of age and steroids form the mainstay of management. Therapy may affect growth in children with relapsing nephrotic syndrome. This study was carried out to correlate growth with the cumulative dose of steroids in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS).
Methods:
Data of 35 children with SSNS was analysed retrospectively. They were divided into two groups. Group I received prednisolone only and Group II received levamisole and or cyclophosphamide in addition to steroids. Their heights were recorded at the time of inclusion and again one year later. The SD scores for age were determined. Growth rate as a change in the SD score over one year (Δ SD score) was correlated to the cumulative dose of steroids over the same period using the Pearson's correlation.
Result:
There were 24 (68.6 %) boys and 11 (31.4 %) girls (M:F ratio 2.18:1) in the age group of 17 months to 11 years at inclusion. Group I constituted 19 (54.2 %) and Group II, 16 (45.8 %). Pearson's correlation coefficients for all children, Groups I and II were -0.341, -0.441 and -0.255 respectively indicating "Fair correlation". This indicates that as the cumulative dose of steroid increases the growth retardation becomes more apparent.
Conclusion:
Growth retardation is proportional to the cumulative dose of steroids in children with SSNS.
More Related Videos
08:46Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium
Published on: September 1, 2015
08:505/6th Nephrectomy in Combination with High Salt Diet and Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibition to Induce Chronic Kidney Disease in the Lewis Rat
Published on: July 3, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Nephrotic Syndrome III : Nursing Management
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology