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Published in: Pediatric Nephrology 6/2014

01-06-2014 | Original Article

Steroids combined with levothyroxine to treat children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: a retrospective single-center study

Authors: Qing-yin Guo, Qing-jun Zhu, Yu-feng Liu, Hui-juan Zhang, Ying Ding, Wen-sheng Zhai, Xian-qing Ren, Jian Zhang, Xia Zhang, Meng Yang

Published in: Pediatric Nephrology | Issue 6/2014

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Abstract

Background

The clinical efficacy and safety of low-dose levothyroxine in the treatment of idiopathic nephritic syndrome accompanied by thyroid dysfunction have not been established.

Methods

One hundred and sixty-four patients were divided into three groups according to the levels of thyroid hormone and treatment. The thyroid status, efficacy and adverse reactions of thyroid treatment were observed in each group.

Results

Thyroid dysfunction was found in 73 patients. 40 cases were treated with steroids combined with levothyroxine. Proteinuria, cholesterol and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were significantly higher in patients with thyroid dysfunction, whereas serum albumin and free and total T3 and T4 levels were lower than those of euthyroid patients. The time for proteinuria remission in patients receiving levothyroxine therapy was shorter and their serum albumin higher than for patients without levothyroxine treatment.

Conclusions

Thyroid hormonal changes are related to the degree of both proteinuria and serum albumin in patients with INS. Combined treatment with low-dose levothyroxine supplementation and steroids in children with INS and thyroid dysfunction is associated with reduced proteinuria and increased plasma albumin compared with patients treated with steroids only.
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Metadata
Title
Steroids combined with levothyroxine to treat children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: a retrospective single-center study
Authors
Qing-yin Guo
Qing-jun Zhu
Yu-feng Liu
Hui-juan Zhang
Ying Ding
Wen-sheng Zhai
Xian-qing Ren
Jian Zhang
Xia Zhang
Meng Yang
Publication date
01-06-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Pediatric Nephrology / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 0931-041X
Electronic ISSN: 1432-198X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-013-2727-x

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