Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano

Abstract

Methods: A prospective study spanning two years (July 2002 – August 2004). Twenty two children with nephrotic syndrome were seen ate the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano. The demographic, clinical and laboratory features and response to treatment were documented.
Results: Nephritic syndrome made up of 1.2% of all Peadiatric admissions. There were 15males and 7 females giving the ratio of 1:0.5. There were 15(68%) patients in the 3-10 years age group and 7(34%) in the 11-14 years age group. The major clinical features were generalized oedema (100%), hypertension (18.2%), pleural effusion (9.1%), and congestive cardiac failure in 2(9.1%). Mean serum albumin was 164.8gldl; serum cholesterol 9551.6mmdll. Malaria parasitamia was present in 36% of the patients and 3(4.5%) has sickle cell anaemia
Treatment with diuretics; pooled plasma and prednisolone achieved 83% remission Mortality of 22.7% being mainly to due chronic renal failure. The study will require a large population for the trials in the use of steroids in the treatment of nephritic syndrome


Tropical Journal of Medical Research Vol. 10(1) 2006: pp. 31-33