Bone Mineral Density in Children with Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome

Background: Given the high relapse rate of disease in children with steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome and the osteoporotic effect of long periods of steroid therapy, this survey was performed to find the bone mineral status of these patients. Methods: Bone mineral density and content (BMO and BMC) were measured using Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry in 37 nephrotic children, six girls and 31 boys aged from four to 21yrs, as patient group and 37 age and sex-matched healthy individuals as control group. Historical data were collected by chart review. Results: As compared to the control group, the patients were shorter in stature. The percentage of BMC of lumbar and BMO of femoral bones of the patients was significantly lower than control group. According to the Warner method, 12% of the patients were osteoporotic and the BMO of their femoral and lumbar bones was inversely correlated with cumulative steroid dose. Conclusion: Bone loss can occur in some steroid-dependent nephrotic patients, especially those with low age of onset and those with longer duration of the disease and higher cumulative dose of steroid. Therefore, measurements of BMO and BMC could be recommended, at least, for the selected patients