Health-Related Quality of Life in Children with Steroid-Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is considered as a major global health concern, and a higher proportion of children with NS have steroid resistance (SR). This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with SRNS.

This case-control study was conducted from January to June 2023 at University Children's Hospital, Minia, Egypt. There were 160 participants in total who were divided into 3 groups: 60 participants with SRNS and 2 control groups (one of which had steroid-sensitive NS) that were matched appropriately. Each participant's QoL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales).

Children with SRNS had the lowest mean scores across all domains of the PedsQL (P<0.001) with duration of the illness and high cumulative glucocorticoids being significant in the prediction of low QoL in those children (P = 0.01 each).

To properly evaluate and improve the QoL for children with SRNS, coordinated efforts involving paediatric nephrologists and psychiatrists are required.