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Mycophenolate Sodium for Children with Frequently Relapsing or Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome
Kanika Kapoor1, Abhijeet Saha, Manpreet Kaur
1Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital; and #Department of Biostatics, AIIMS; New Delhi, India. drabhijeetsaha@yahoo.com.
Insights
Enteric coated mycophenolate sodium (ECMS) effectively reduced relapses in children with frequently-relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS). This steroid-sparing agent demonstrated significant efficacy and safety in managing these challenging pediatric kidney conditions.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Immunosuppressive Therapy
Background:
- Idiopathic frequently-relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) present significant management challenges in children.
- Steroid-sparing agents are crucial for reducing long-term steroid toxicity in these conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of enteric coated mycophenolate sodium (ECMS) as a steroid-sparing agent in pediatric patients with FRNS/SDNS.
- To determine the response rates to ECMS in this patient population over a 6-month period.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 40 pediatric patients (27 FRNS, 13 SDNS) treated with ECMS for at least 6 months.
- Primary outcome: response to ECMS defined by relapse frequency (complete: 0 relapses, partial: 1 relapse, no response: ≥2 relapses within 6 months).
- Mean ECMS dose: 985.24 (190.82) mg/m²/day.
Main Results:
- A significant majority of patients responded to ECMS: 75% (30/40) achieved complete response, and 20% (8/40) had a partial response within 6 months.
- Only 5% (2/40) of patients did not respond to ECMS during the study period.
- The treatment was generally well-tolerated, indicating a favorable safety profile.
Conclusions:
- Enteric coated mycophenolate sodium (ECMS) is a safe and effective steroid-sparing agent for children diagnosed with FRNS and SDNS.
- ECMS demonstrates a high rate of complete and partial responses, significantly reducing relapse frequency in this pediatric cohort.
- The findings support the use of ECMS in the management of difficult-to-treat nephrotic syndromes in children.
Abstract:
In this retrospective study, patients with idiopathic frequently-relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS) (n=27) and steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS) (n=13) who received enteric coated mycophenolate sodium (ECMS) for at least 6 months, were included for analysis. Primary outcome was response to ECMS, which was defined as complete if there were no relapses, partial response if there was 1 relapse and no response if there were 2 or more relapses within 6 months of initiation. The mean (SD) dose of ECMS was 985.24 (190.82) mg/m2/day. Thirty patients(75%) had complete response, eight (20%) had partial and two (5%) patients did not respond at 6 months. ECMS seems to be a safe and effective as steroid sparing agent in children with FRNS/SDNS.
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