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.

STUDY DESIGN:

Retrospective analysis of hospital case records.

SETTING:

Pediatric nephrology department of a tertiary referral pediatric hospital.

PARTICIPANTS:

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.

CONCLUSION:

Levamisole is an effective alternative therapy in frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.

• Authors: Sudha Ekambaram, Vijayakumar Mahalingam, Prahlad Nageswaran, Amish Udani, Sangeetha Geminiganesan, Shweta Priyadarshini
• Journal: Indian pediatrics (Indian Pediatr) Vol. 51 Issue 5 Pg. 371-3 (May 2014) ISSN: 0974-7559 [Electronic] India
• PMID: 24953577 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Immunosuppressive Agents
• Steroids
• Levamisole

Topics

• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Levamisole (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Nephrotic Syndrome (drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Recurrence
• Retrospective Studies
• Steroids (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)