title: Efficacy of levamisole in children with frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy of levamisole in frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective analysis of hospital case records.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pediatric nephrology department of a tertiary referral pediatric hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  62 children with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome and 35 children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case records of children who were diagnosed as steroid-dependant or frequently-relapsing nephrotic syndrome from June 2004 to June 2011, were reviewed. Levamisole was given daily (2 mg/kg/d) along with tapering doses of alternate day steroids after remission on daily steroids.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Levamisole was effective in 77.3% children with a better (80.6%) efficacy in frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. A total of 34 children completed 1 year follow-up post levamisole therapy. The cumulative mean (SD) steroid dose 1-year before therapy was 4109(1154) mg/m2 and 1-year post therapy was 661 (11) mg/m2 (P<0.001). The relapses were also less during the period of post-levamisole therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Levamisole is an effective alternative therapy in frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.
authors: Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Mehta Childrens Hospital, Chennai, India. Correspondence to: Dr M Vijayakumar, Consultant Pediatric Nephrologist, Mehta Children's Hospitals, No.2(e) Mc Nichols Road, 3rd Lane, Chetpet, Chennai 600 031, Tamilnadu, India. doctormvk@gmail.com.
authors: Sudha
authors: S
authors: Ekambaram
authors: Vijayakumar
authors: V
authors: Mahalingam
authors: Prahlad
authors: P
authors: Nageswaran
authors: Amish
authors: A
authors: Udani
authors: Sangeetha
authors: S
authors: Geminiganesan
authors: Shweta
authors: S
authors: Priyadarshini
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007978:Levamisole / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013256:Steroids; D007978:Levamisole