Document Type : original article

Authors

1 Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, clinical research development center of Amirkabir Hospital, Arak, Iran

2 Student research committee, Arak university of medical science, Arak, Iran

3 Amirkabir hospital, Department of Pediatric Nephrology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.

10.22038/ijp.2023.74679.5361

Abstract

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome (NS), common in the pediatric population is typically treated with high-dose glucocorticoid (GC). Long-term GC treatment in refractory cases result in osteoporosis susceptibility. Immunosuppressants adjuvant to GC, used to induce remission in steroid-resistant NS, have shown controversial effects on bone density. This study aims to evaluate and compare bone density in children with NS undergoing GC therapy for ≥2 years with or without immunosuppression using DEXA.

Methods: twenty-three NS patients were enrolled in the study and underwent DXA scan. Demographic data and years of disease, and electrolytes including calcium and phosphorous, vitamin D levels, creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and albumin were documented.

Results: DEXA scan showed low bone density in 4 out of 23 participants (17.4%), two of whom had scores lower than -2, which is indicative of osteoporosis, 2 of whom received cyclosporin and one received tacrolimus adjuvant therapy. Disease chronicity was significantly higher in children with lower whole-body Z-scores. Lower than normal vitamin D levels were present in 68% of cases.

Conclusion: Our observations revealed a 2:1 ratio of cyclosporin to tacrolimus use in patients with Z-score <-1. We suggest that pediatric patients undergoing ≥2 years of GC therapy, especially in high doses or adjuvant to immunosuppressants, be screened for bone loss using DEXA scan for timely diagnosis and management. Furthermore, clinicians should be aware of the beneficial effects of vitamin D supplements in long-term GC therapy and evaluate their patients for vitamin D and calcium deficiency.

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