Evaluation of Outcomes in Early Versus Late Steroid-resistant Nephrotic Syndrome in Children: An Observational Study

Background and Objectives: Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) occurs in approximately 10%–20% of children with nephrotic syndrome (NS). The present study was conducted to compare the various outcomes and treatments of primary and secondary steroid-resistant cases. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 1 year in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Children in the age group of 1 month to 14 years with a diagnosis of SRNS were included in the study. Detailed history and clinical and laboratory examinations were entered into predesigned pro forma. The categorical variables were analyzed by Chi-squared test and continuous variables were analyzed by Student’s t -test. Results: Of the 60 cases, 27 were in the early and 33 were in the late SRNS group. The mean (standard deviation) age (years) of diagnosis in the early group was 2.78 (1.66), and in the late group was 3.78 (2.44). The male-to-female ratio in the early group was 1:1.07, and in the late group was 1:1.06. Thus, females dominated over males in both groups. The number of relapses and partial remission were significantly higher in those with late SRNS. However, other parameters like the development of end-stage renal disease, and the number undergoing remission were not different between the two groups. Conclusions: Children with early and late SRNS may behave in a similar way as far as response to treatment and outcome is concerned. Larger studies are needed to confirm the present study findings.