Zinc as a Supplement in Reduction of Relapses in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome

Abstract

The present study was designed to assess zinc supplementation role in reducing the relapse and infection rates in children with nephrotic syndrome. This study was an interventional study included forty children with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome; from those attending the pediatric nephrology clinic and the inpatient wards, Children’s Hospital, Ain Shams University; and who were under regular follow up during the period from August 2020 to February 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups: 1st Group: This group included 20 patients with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. It included 15 males and 5 females. Their ages ranged from 3-13 years with a mean age was 8.85±3.47 years. They received oral zinc supplementation (10 mg/d) with doubling of dose (20mg/d) in cases of infection, relapse time, and recorded deficient zinc level, in addition to standard treatment of nephrotic syndrome. 2nd Group: This group included 20 patients with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. It included 14 males and 6 females their ages ranged from 5-15 years with a mean age was10.15±3.41 years. They received only the standard treatment of nephrotic syndrome. All patients in this work beside the workup of nephrotic syndrome were clinically evaluated together with routine laboratory investigations. Serum zinc level was done for all patients at the start and at the end of the study.