Concurrent use of cyclophosphamide and prednisolone in childhood nephrotic syndrome in South-East Nigeria; a report of 5 cases.
BACKGROUND
Nephrotic syndrome is a chronic renal disease that can lead to end stage renal disease. There are different histological types with global variations in frequency. Literatures reviewed showed that the African variant is less likely to be minimal change variant. No clear treatment protocol for it has been most beneficial.


OBJECTIVE
This paper aims to evaluate the outcome of a treatment protocol using cyclophosphamide and prednisolone concurrently.


METHODS
A low dose and short duration concurrent use of cyclophosphamide and prednisolone was used for treating children with nephrotic syndrome who had not developed derangements of their renal function. The case files of those that were treated and followed up over a 10 year period or until they were above 18 years of age were analysed for their clinical parameters.


RESULTS
Five cases were treated and all have been in clinical remission for more than 4 years as at the time of the review, though 2 of them relapsed twice initially. They were all aged above 6 years and had microscopic hematuria. The 3 cases whose ESRs were done had high levels. Two cases that presented 1 yr after the onset of their symptoms resolved without relapse while 2 out of the remaining 3 in whom this interval was less than 6 months relapsed.


CONCLUSIONS
This treatment protocol appears beneficial to childhood nephrotics in this environment and should be used.
Obidike
E O
EO
Department of Paediatrics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D003520:Cyclophosphamide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009549:Nigeria; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D003520:Cyclophosphamide; D011239:Prednisolone