There are a very small group of children who do not respond to steroid treatment and continue to have lots of protein in their urine. It is this group of children who usually require a kidney biopsy to investigate more thoroughly what is going on in the kidney. Also some children with nephrotic syndrome RELAPSE more often and begin to have side effects from Prednisolone.
It is in these children that we may decide to use a drug called CYCLOPHOSPHAMIDE which may help the child to have a long REMISSION (in other words urine constantly free of protein and off Prednisolone treatment). Other treatments that may be considered include LEVAMISOLE or CYCLOSPORIN.
The doctor will always discuss the need for further investigations and treatment before a biopsy or other drugs are suggested.
NKF Controlled Document No. 138, CHILDHOOD NEPHROTIC SYNDROME — A guide to the treatment of Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome — Does the Steroid Treatment always work?, written 10 September 2004.
Content compiled by members of the Children’s Renal & Urology Unit, QMC, Nottingham.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
Page created: 10 September 2004
Last updated: 6 August 2007
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