Effect of Galactose on Proteinuria in Pediatric Steroid Resistant Nephrotic Syndrome

Abstract

- Nephrotic syndrome is primarily a pediatric disorder and is 15 times more common in children than adults. The vast majority of affected children will have steroid- sensitive minimal change disease. The characteristic features of NS are heavy proteinuria >40 mg/m2/hr, hypoalbuminemia (< 2.5 g/dL), edema, and hyperlipidemia. - Most children responded well to treatment with prednisolone with the protein often disappearing from their urine and the swelling going within a few weeks. This period is known as remission. - Some patients failed to achieve remission despite on steroid these patients are Steroid resistant (SRNS). These patients receive immunosuppressive therapy is to induce remission. - Galactose had been shown to bind to a FSGS permeability factor and oral administration of galactose decreased the activity of the plasma permeability factor. - Study included 7 patients aged from 5 to 13 years old, all patients were diagnosed as steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome, and biopsy had proved minimal change, mesangioproleferative, or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, all patients with persistent proteinuria despite on medication.