[Clinical application of tacrolimus with low-dose prednisone in 21 children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze and evaluate the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus and low-dose steroids in the treatment of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in children.

METHOD:

Twenty-one children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome enrolled from October 2008 to July 2010 into this retrospective longitudinal study received oral tacrolimus treatment, 0.1 to 0.15 mg/kg per day and once every 12 hours, and prednisone 0.2 to 0.75 mg/kg per day simultaneously. During the treatment, the plasma concentration of tacrolimus, urine volume, urine, serum creatinine and liver function were regularly monitored.

RESULT:

After 1 to 3 months treatment, 14 cases showed complete remission and 7 cases had partial remission. Sixteen patients received renal biopsy, of whom 6 revealed minimal change nephropathy with complete remission in 3 cases, 3 cases had partial remission;4 cases revealed focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with 2 complete remission and 2 partial remission; other 5 children with IgM nephropathy and 1 mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis achieved complete remission. Within treatment period, 6 patients presented transient adverse reactions, without altering the principle treatment strategy, but only taking the symptomatic treatment. During follow-up, 1 case was lost to follow-up and the remaining 20 cases were followed up from 2 months to 21 months. In 4 patients the disease relapsed within 1st-year follow-up, while at 2nd-year follow-up, 4 cases had (6 times) recurrence.

CONCLUSION:

Tacrolimus showed a reliable effect in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Less adverse reactions were seen, and most of them could be tolerated. Nevertheless, the patients had a higher relapse rate after 1 to 2 years treatment. Therefore, the long-term effects of tacrolimus for steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome remains to be further evaluated.

• Authors: Sheng-hua Yao, Jian-hua Mao, Yong-hui Xia, Da-yan Wang, Yi-fang Chen, Cheng-qing Fang, Ai-min Liu, Li-zhong Du
• Journal: Zhonghua er ke za zhi = Chinese journal of pediatrics (Zhonghua Er Ke Za Zhi) Vol. 49 Issue 11 Pg. 825-8 (Nov 2011) ISSN: 0578-1310 [Print] China
• PMID: 22336304 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Prednisone
• Tacrolimus

Topics

• Adolescent
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Drug Resistance
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Nephrotic Syndrome (drug therapy)
• Prednisone (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Retrospective Studies
• Tacrolimus (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome