[Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome and food hypersensitivity. Value of an exclusion diet]

A case of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) evolving since more than 7 years with 4 successive corticosensitive relapses is reported. At the time of a 5th relapse corticosteroid treatment was refused by the parents and evolution went on without any spontaneous tendency to remission. Three months later, allergy tests detected various sensitizations, especially for food allergens. An antiallergic treatment including dietary exclusions induced a complete and durable remission. Five similar cases are reported. These facts, compared to data from the literature, indicate the possible role of food hypersensitivity in INS. Its mechanism has been discussed; the possible part of a lymphocyte activation has been emphasized.