Growth Parameters in Adolescents with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

The goal of a recent study was to ascertain the prevalence of impaired growth parameters among adolescents aged 10-19 years in whom the onset of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome occurred between the ages of 1 and 6 years.

In this cross-sectional study conducted from 2012-2022, the prevalence of impaired growth parameters (height and BMI Z scores) among adolescents aged 10-19 years with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome onset between 1 and 6 years was investigated. Overall, 116 adolescents were enrolled – 60 had frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (FRNS)/steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS), and 56 were diagnosed with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). The median age at enrolment was 133 months, and the age at disease onset was 48 months. 

It was found that 25% of the subjects included were overweight, 2.6% were obese, 26.7% experienced stunting, and 6% had severe stunting. The cumulative steroid dose varied significantly between the FRNS/SDNS and SRNS groups. 

The results highlighted a high prevalence of short stature and overweight in adolescents with nephrotic syndrome, emphasizing minimizing steroid use and implementing strategies to support healthy growth.

Source: Srimathi K, Deepthi B, Krishnasamy S, Ganapathy S, Krishnamurthy S. Indian Pediatrics. 2023 Oct;60(10):834-8.