Introduction:
Nephrotic syndrome is the most common glomerulonephropathy in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic and evolutionary aspects of NS in pediatrics at the national Hospital of Zinder (Niger).
Methods:
This is a descriptive study with prospective data collection that took place over an 11-month period. Included were all children aged 5 [VL(1] [AM2] to 15 years admitted for nephrotic syndrome to the Pediatric Department B of the National Hospital of Zinder (HNZ) during the study period. Nephrotic syndrome is defined in children by 24-hour proteinuria greater than or equal to 50 mg/kg/24 hours, hypoalbuminemia less than 25-30 g/l and hypoproteinemia less than 50-55 g/l.
Results:
A total of 26 patients had fulfilled the inclusion criteria, with a hospital prevalence of 0.69%. The males predominated with male to female ratio of 1.3. Most children were aged 5 to 10 years (57.69%). The mean age at diagnosis was 8 ± 2.9 years.In the majority of cases (61.54%) the delay between the onset of symptoms and the first consultation was more than 14 days. Edema was found in all patients at the time of consultation. The 24-hour proteinuria was between 50 to 100 mg / kg / day in 65% of cases with an average of 100.16 ± 47.64 mg / kg / d. Mean serum protein and albumin were respectively 41.19 ± 12.41g / L and 18.46 ± 5.97g / L. The NS was pure in 15 patients or in 57.69% of cases and impure in 11 patients or in 42.31% of cases. Treatment was based on oral corticosteroid therapy (prednisolone) at a dosage of 2 mg/kg/day. Steroid sensitivity was observed in 22 patients, i.e. 84.61%, one child was steroid dependent (3.85%) and two children were steroid resistance, i.e. 7.69%. One child died due to severe renal impairment (mortality of 3.85%). Only one patient had benefited from a renal biopsy.
Conclusions:
NS remains common in children at the HNZ. The improvement of the technical platform for PBR and anatomopathological examinations as well as the establishment of social security prove necessary for a better management of SN in children at the HNZ.
I have no potential conflict of interest to disclose.
I did not use generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the writing process.