The association of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome with non-autoimmune thyroid in children

Abstract

Background: Nephrotic syndrome is a significant chronic illness that frequently causes relapses in children. Treatment with corticosteroids is the primary approach. But a lot of cases either have serious negative effects from treatment or are resistant to it. MMF stands for mycophenolate, a novel and safer immunosuppressive drug. Objective: Studying the thyroid function in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is the goal.Patients and methods: Thirty patients diagnosed by both clinical and laboratory studies with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome were recruited from the outpatient clinic for nephrology.Results: The free T3 level was significantly higher in SR, SD and DC groups as compared to control group. Free T4 was significantly lower in both SR and SD groups as compared to control group. There was no difference between the four groups regarding serum TSH level. There was no significant difference between the three groups regarding free T3 and TSH levels. Free T4 level was significantly lower in SR group as compared to Dc group. There were significant negative correlations between free T3 and protein/creatinine ratio while Free T4 showed significant positive correlations with albumin.Conclusion: Although none of our patients exhibited subclinical non-autoimmune hypothyroidism, their free T4 levels were lower than those of the control group. In patients with proteinuria and steroid-resistant nephritic syndrome, this could be a sign of T4 loss in the urine.