A Study of Efficacy of Levamisole in Children with Frequently Relapsing and Steroiddependent Nephrotic Syndrome at Pediatrics, Department of NMCH, Patna, Bihar.

Dr. Ranjit Kumar; Dr. Syed Atif Hassan; Dr. Akhilesh Kumar; Dr. Binod Kumar Singh; Dr. Debarshi Jana

Volume : IX, Issue : II, February - 2020

A Study of Efficacy of Levamisole in Children with Frequently Relapsing and Steroiddependent Nephrotic Syndrome at Pediatrics, Department of NMCH, Patna, Bihar.

Dr. Ranjit Kumar, Dr. Syed Atif Hassan, Dr. Akhilesh Kumar, Dr. Binod Kumar Singh, Dr. Debarshi Jana

Abstract :

Objectives: To assess the efficacy of levamisole in frequentlyrelapsing nephrotic syndrome and steroid–dependent nephroticsyndrome. Study Design: Retrospective analysis of hospital case records. Participants: 62 children with frequently relapsing nephroticsyndrome and 35 children with steroid–dependent nephroticsyndrome. Methods: Case records of children who were diagnosed assteroid–dependant or frequently–relapsing nephrotic syndrome, were reviewed. Levamisole was given daily (2 mg/kg/d) along with tapering doses of alternate daysteroids after remission on daily steroids. Results: Levamisole was effective in 77.3% children with a better(80.6%) efficacy in frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. Atotal of 34 children completed 1 year follow–up post levamisoletherapy. The cumulative mean (SD) steroid dose 1–year beforetherapy was 4109(1154) mg/m2 and 1–year post therapy was 661(11) mg/m2 (P<0.001). The relapses were also less during theperiod of post–levamisole therapy. Conclusion: Levamisole is an effective alternative therapy infrequently relapsing and steroid–dependent nephrotic syndrome.