One the complications of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (i.n.s.) is long-lasting lipid unfavourable lipid profile, a risk factor of early atherosclerosis. Aim of the study was evaluation of the incidence of early signs of atheromathosis in children with INS expressed as the increased IMT in the (elastic) common carotid (cIMT) and (muscular) superficial femoral ((fIMT) arteries. The study included 50 children (34 boys and 16 girls) aged from 5.83 to 16.58 y (mean 10,8) with INS Overall duration of the disease ranged from 2.58 to 13.83 y (mean 7.81) [in 23 (46%) children < 10 yrs mean 6.21 yrs; in 16 (32%) from 10 to 14 yrs mean 11.93 yrs and in 11 (22%) >14 yrs mean 4.27 yrs]. 16 children were treated with prednisone, 32 with cyclosporine A (CsA) and 2 mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). The renal function in 49 children was normal and decreased in 1 case. Children treated with CsA and MMF received renoprotection with enalapril or enalapril/losartan. USG technique was used to evaluate cIMT and fIMT. In 39 (78%) pts, 26/34 (76.47%) > and 13/16 (81.25%) + cIMT was increased. fIMT was increased in 13 (26%) pts, including 12/34 (35.29%) > and 1/16 (6.25%) +. Among pts <10y. of age cIMT was increased in 19/23 (82.6%) and fIMT in 5/23 (21.73%). Among pts between 10-14 yrs cIMT was increased in 13/16 (81.25%), and fIMT in 4/16 (25%). Among pts >14 yrs cIMT was increased in 7/11 (63.63%), and fIMT in 4 (36,36%) cases.
Conclusion: Increased intima-media thickness in (elastic) carotid artery was shown in vast majority of children with nephrotic syndrome.