[Calcium and phosphrous evaluation during cortisone treatment of nephrotic syndrome in relapse]

Metabolic balances were used to study the intestinal absorption of calcium, magnesium and phosphate in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome in relapse. Magnesium balance was unaffected by the illness, steroid therapy, or by the addition of vitamin D. In contrast, the absorption of calcium and phosphorus was reduced by the illness and was still furthur diminished by the steroid therapy. The addition of vitamin D was totally ineffective in the doses used. The causes of these changes are discussed.