Most children will have at least one recurrence of protein in their urine (we call this a relapse) and they will need further courses of steroid treatment.
If they have many relapses they will need to take their steroids for a longer period of time.
As the child becomes older the relapses usually become less frequent. It isn’t possible to predict accurately when the relapses will cease but a relapse is very uncommon if the child has been free of protein in the urine for five years.
Will my child's kidneys fail as he/she gets older?
Children with the usual types of nephrotic syndrome which responds to steroids have NO risk of the kidneys failing with time.
Are other children in the family likely to be affected?
There are a few rare types of nephrotic syndrome which run in families, but it is extremely unlikely that your child will suffer these.
NKF Controlled Document No. 143, CHILDHOOD NEPHROTIC SYNDROME — A guide to the treatment of Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome — Will my child continue to suffer from nephrotic syndrome?, 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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