Study of the Value of Urinary Vitamin D-Binding Protein as a Prognostic Biomarker in Cases of Childhood Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome and its Relation to Ca/P Metabolism

Abstract

T he use of biomarkers in childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome represents a non-invasive approach in diagnostic nephrology, as these markers can be used in the prediction and prognostic evaluation of the disease, as well as in differentiating steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) from steroid- sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). VDBP is a circulating plasma protein in the alpha globulin region mainly produced in the liver. Its production is relatively stable in children and adults, though some physiological changes such as pregnancy can increase its levels. Vitamin D deficiency is seen most commonly in both types of NS, which is mainly due to the excretion of a high amount of VDBP in urine. VDBP has similar molecular weight and isoelectric point to that of albumin and excreted in patients with NS. The aim of this study was to determine if UVDBP measurements can be used as a non-invasive prognostic biomarker in cases of childhood idiopathic NS and its relation to Ca/p metabolism. This prospective study was carried out on Children who were newly diagnosed with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome presented to the Pediatric Nephrology unit, Ain Shams University hospitals during the period from November 2019 till May 2020 In the present study, the levels of uVDBP were significantly higher in cases than in healthy control children.