Clinical course and renal function in minimal change nephrotic syndrome

Thirteen unselected children with the minimal change nephrotic syndrome were followed for 11 months-7.5 years, during which time 32 renal function tests were performed. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was determined as clearance of inulin using a standard clearance technique. The children had between zero and 34 relapses and three developed steroid resistance. Three patients had severe but reversible complications related to the corticosteroid therapy. Chlorambucil was given to four patients, of whom three with steroid resistance had lasting remissions, whereas one patient with frequent relapses had only transient improvement. The GFR was decreased at the first episode in six patients, whose clinical course did not differ from that of the others. None had a decreased GFR later in the course of the disease. It is concluded that reduced GFR at the onset of the minimal change nephrotic syndrome is reversible and does not imply an unfavourable outcome.