Corticosteroid therapy-induced obesity in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Nephrology

Background:

• Corticosteroids, like prednisone, are crucial for treating idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children.
• Obesity is a known side effect of corticosteroid therapy, but its persistence requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the severity and persistence of corticosteroid-induced obesity in children treated for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.
• To identify risk factors for persistent obesity following long-term prednisone therapy.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 23 children (aged 1-14 years) treated with prednisone for over 60 days.
• Tracking relative weight at therapy initiation, during therapy, and after cessation (at least 6 months post-therapy).

Main Results:

• Peak relative weight increased during therapy (mean 119% vs. 107% at baseline).
• Four children remained obese post-therapy; all had initial relative weight ≥110% and peak relative weight >130%.
• Children with normal initial weight (<110%) and peak relative weight <130% did not experience persistent obesity.

Conclusions:

• Persistent obesity after corticosteroid therapy for nephrotic syndrome is primarily a risk for children with higher initial or peak relative weights.
• The risk of persistent obesity appears small in normal-weight children who maintain relative weights below 130% during treatment.