Effect of glucocorticoids on growth and bone mineral density in children with nephrotic syndrome

Glucocorticosteroids (GCs) are the first-line treatment for idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (NS), but prolonged administration interferes with growth and bone mineralization. We conducted a retrospective study to analyze the long-term impact of prednisone on growth and bone mineral density (BMD) in children with NS. Data from children with NS followed during almost 10 years were analyzed. Height and spine BMD values were converted to Z-scores (standard deviation [SD]). The mean cumulative dose of GCs received was calculated and correlated to patient’s growth and spine BMD using linear regression and subgroup analysis. We included 30 patients diagnosed at 3.7 years old (interquartile range (IQR) 2.6–4.8) and followed over 9.8 years (IQR 6.6–11.7). The one half of NS patients was steroid sensitive and one half dependent or resistant. The median cumulative dose of GCs received was 0.27 mg/kg/day (IQR 0.18–0.35). Growth and spine BMD were both negatively associated with the cumulative dose of GCs (P = 0.001 and P = 0.037, respectively). Final height Z-scores were significantly lower in patients receiving >0.2 mg/kg/day GCs (P = 0.001). No difference was observed in spine BMD between subgroups.

Conclusion: Increasing doses of GCs were significantly associated with lower height and BMD Z-scores. A significant effect on growth was observed with cutoff doses above 0.2 mg/kg/day.