Long-term Effects of Cyclosporine A on Kidney Function in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Birgitta Kranz, Udo Vester, Rainer Büscher, Anne-Margret Wingen, Peter F. Hoyer
Primary Institution: University Clinic Essen
Hypothesis
What is the long-term impact of cyclosporine A therapy on renal function in children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome?
Conclusion
Cyclosporine A therapy in children with nephrotic syndrome is safe and does not impair renal function even after long-term treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients treated with cyclosporine A showed a significant drop in GFR within the first 12 months.
- After 5 years of treatment, GFR remained within the normal range for all patients.
- No patient developed chronic renal failure during the study period.
- Histological examination showed no signs of cyclosporine A toxicity in biopsies.
Takeaway
This study looked at kids with kidney problems who took a medicine called cyclosporine A for a long time. It found that their kidneys stayed healthy even after many years of treatment.
Methodology
The study evaluated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in children treated with cyclosporine A for a mean of 5.4 years, comparing it with a control group treated with cyclophosphamide.
Potential Biases
The study may have selection bias due to its retrospective nature and limited sample size.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and only a few patients underwent renal biopsy under long-term treatment.
Participant Demographics
20 children (8 girls and 12 boys) with biopsy-proven minimal-change nephrotic syndrome.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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