Relapses of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome are traditionally treated with prednisone 2 mg/kg/day or 60 mg/m2/day. Retrospective data support the use of lower doses. We designed a prospective randomized pilot study to investigate the efficacy of different doses in achieving remission of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome relapse. The cohort included 30 children with relapsed steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome, mean age 6.3 ± 3 years and mean disease duration 2.2 ± 1.8 years. The children were randomized to receive 2, 1.5, or 1 mg/kg/day prednisone. The corresponding times to response, defined as the first of 3 consecutive days without proteinuria, were 7.2 ± 1.4, 10.2 ± 5.1, and 9 ± 3.3 days; the difference between the 1.5 and 2 mg/kg/day groups was statistically significant. One patient each in the 1 mg/kg/day and the 1.5 mg/kg/day groups failed to respond and were switched to 2 mg/kg/day, leading to a response after 3 and 10 days, respectively. Mean cumulative prednisone doses in the 3 groups were 45.5 ± 3.4, 42.7 ± 25.9, and 24.9 ± 7.4 mg/kg, respectively (P < 0.05).Conclusion: In the present study, treatment of childhood steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome relapse with prednisone 1-1.5 mg/kg/day led to a significantly lower cumulative dose than the standard dose. Treatment with a lower dose may be equally safe and effective to the standard dose.What is Known:• Relapses of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome are traditionally treated with standard-dose steroids.• Treatment with corticosteroids may have significant adverse effects mainly with long-term use.What is New:• Treatment of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome relapse with 1-1.5 mg/kg/day prednisone may lead to a significantly lower cumulative dose.• Treatment with a lower steroid dose may be as effective as the standard dose in achieving remission of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome relapse.
Keywords: Low dose; Prednisone; Steroid treatment; Steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome.