title: A meta-analysis of cytotoxic treatment for frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome in children.
abstract: For over 30 years cyclophosphamide (CYC) and chlorambucil (CHL) have been used to treat children with relapsing steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). A meta-analysis on treatment protocols, efficacy, and side effects of CYC and CHL was performed from the literature. Thirty-eight studies comprising 1,504 children and 1,573 courses of cytotoxic drug therapy were systematically evaluated. Relapse-free survival rates increased with the cumulative dosage of CHL and CYC and were higher in children with frequently relapsing than steroid-dependent NS. The fatality rate of the treatment was approximately 1%. Leukopenia occurred in one-third of patients treated with either drug. Severe bacterial infections developed in 1.5% of the patients under CYC and in 6.8% under CHL. Seizures were observed in 3.6% of children treated with CHL. Malignancies were observed in 14 children after high doses of either drug. Females rarely developed permanent gonadal damage. However, no safe threshold for a cumulative amount of CYC was found in males, but there was a marked increase in the risk of oligo- or azoospermia with higher cumulative doses. From this meta-analysis we recommend CYC 2-3 mg/kg body weight for 8-12 weeks as the standard scheme. CHL has higher rates of severe side effects and should be considered a second-line drug.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Nephrology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical School, Hannover, Germany. KayLatta@web.de
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Latta
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: von Schnakenburg
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Ehrich
mesh_terms: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002699:Chlorambucil / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012008:Recurrence
chemical_list: D018906:Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating; D002699:Chlorambucil; D003520:Cyclophosphamide