PERSISTENT HYPERCHOLESTEROLEMIA IN FREQUENTLY RELAPSING STEROID-RESPONSIVE NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Objective: To investigate long-term changes of serum cholesterol level s in children with frequently relapsing steroid-responsive nephrotic s yndrome (NS). Methodology: Serum cholesterol values just before and du ring or immediately after 'relapse' were reviewed and the incidence of hypercholesterolaemia (greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL) was determ ined in eight patients (M:F, 6:2). Results: The patients with frequent ly relapsing NS usually showed hypercholesterolaemia (mean incidence, 81%) just before 'relapse' during clinical remission, as well as in re lapse (mean incidence, 96%), A high incidence of steroid therapy was a lso found in each case (mean, 89%) just before relapse, Conclusions: O ur results demonstrate that children with frequently relapsing NS have prolonged periods of hypercholesterolaemia, even during clinical remi ssion. It is suggested that serum lipid profiles be monitored carefull y in such patients.