The Pattern of Steroid Sensitivity and Steroid Resistance in Childhood Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome: A 5-Year Retrospective Observational Descriptive Study in a South-East Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background/Aim: Nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerular disease of childhood. Majority of the idiopathic cases frequently respond to steroid therapy and are regarded as steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome. Several studies have reported a change in this usual pattern to steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in Nigerian children. This study aimed to determine the pattern of steroid sensitivity and steroid resistance in childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome seen at a tertiary hospital in Enugu, south-east Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study conducted in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome seen at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla Enugu, over 5 years (from 2016 to 2020). The demographic variables, clinical data, and histopathological pattern were documented. Renal biopsies were studied by light microscope only. Results: Of a total of 150 patients, 105 (70%) were males, while 45 (30%) were females. Ninety six (64%) were aged 1-10 years. Fifty four (36%) were aged 11-18 years. Forty eight (32%) were aged 1-5 years. Mean age was 8.67 ± 4.69 years. One hundred and six (71%) initially had steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome; 12 (11.3%) and seven (6.6%) later became frequent-relapsers and steroid-dependent, respectively. Forty four (29.3%) had steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Sixty eight had renal biopsy; the most common indication being steroid-resistance. The most common histological pattern was focal segmental glomerulosclerosis seen in 63.2% of these patients. Only four (9%) had renal transplant. Conclusion: Although the prevalence of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome is higher in this clime, there is a rising incidence of steroid-resistant pattern attributed to incident cases of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.