Evaluation of levamisole efficacy in the treatment of steroid dependent and/or frequently relapsing idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children

Behnaz Falakolaflaki; Saeideh Mazloomzadeh; Naser Lesan

Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences

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Evaluation of levamisole efficacy in the treatment of steroid dependent and/or frequently relapsing idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children

Author(s):

Behnaz Falakolaflaki^1,*,

Saeideh Mazloomzadeh²,

Naser Lesan¹

1Dept.of Pediatric, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran

2Dept. of Social Medicine, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran

Journal of Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences:Vol. 14, issue 1; e79535

Published online:Jun 19, 2010

Article type:Research Article

Received:Jul 08, 2009

Accepted:Dec 01, 2009

How to Cite:Behnaz FalakolaflakiSaeideh MazloomzadehNaser LesanEvaluation of levamisole efficacy in the treatment of steroid dependent and/or frequently relapsing idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in children.J Kermanshah Univ Med Sci.14(1):e79535.

Abstract

Background: Steroid dependent (SDNS) and/or frequently relapsing idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (FRINS) is a therapeutic problem. This study was conducted to determine the effect of Levamisole in children with steroid dependent and/or frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome.

Methods: In this Quasi-experimental study, 43 children aged 1-14 years with steroid dependent (23 cases) and/or frequently relapsing (20 cases) nephrotic syndrome was studied. The patients were treated with prednisolone (60/mg/m2/day) for four weeks. Then steroid was tapered (40 mg/m2 /48 h) and simultaneously Levamisole (2.5 mg/ kg/48 h) was administrated. The patients were monitored every month for remission, relapse and side effects of drug. Data were analyzed using Paired-Sample T Test, Independent-Sample T Test, Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test, Chi- Square Test and SPSS 11.5 for windows package.

Results: After initiation of Levamisole, full and partial remission was showed in 46.5% and 34.9% respectively. 18.6% didn't respond to Levamisole. 39.5% remained in remission for more than one year. The mean relapse rate per annum was reduced from 2.7±1 times before to 1.1±1.2 times after administration of Levamisole (P<0.001). There were significant statistical differences between Levamisole response with type of NS and age of NS onset.

Conclusion: According to Levamisole effect on complete or partial remission, reduction of relapse rate, increased interval between relapses and reduction of steroid dosage without a significant side effects we can conclude that Levamisole is effective and safe steroid sparing drug in children with FRINS and SDNS, therefore, it could be recommended for these patients.

Keywords

Levamisole

Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome

Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome

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