TITLE:
Diagnostic and Evolutionary Aspects of Nephrotic Syndrome in a Pediatric Setting at the Zinder National Hospital
AUTHORS:
Ibrahim dit Abraham Georges Thomas, Hassane Moussa Diongole, Zeinabou Maiga Moussa Tondi, Laouali Chaibou, Hamadou Mazou, Assoumane Chaibou Moussa
KEYWORDS:
Nephrotic Syndrome, Child, Corticosteroids, Zinder National Hospital
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Nephrology,
Vol.14 No.4,
December
31,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: The nephrotic syndrome (NS) is the most common glomerular nephropathy in children. The aim of this work was to study the diagnostic and evolutionary aspects of NS in pediatrics at the national Hospital of Zinder (Niger). Materials and methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out over an 11-month period from January 1, 2023 to November 30, 2023. Included were all children aged 5 to 15 years admitted during the study period for nephrotic syndrome in the Pediatric Department B of the National Hospital of Zinder (HNZ). Results: A total of 26 patients had fulfilled the inclusion criteria, i.e., a hospital frequency of 0.69%. The male sex was predominant with a frequency of 57.69% (sex ratio = 1.3). The 5 to 10 years age group was the most represented with a frequency of 57.69%. The mean age at diagnosis was 8 ± 2.9 years. A delay in consultation was observed in the majority of patients. The consultation time was longer than 14 days for 16 patients, i.e., 61.54%. Edema was found in all patients at the time of consultation, i.e., in 100% of the cases. The 24-hour proteinuria was between 50 to 100 mg/kg/day in 65% of cases with an average of 82.78 mg/kg/d. The protidemia and the average albuminemia were respectively 44.85 g/L and 18.78 g/L. The SN was pure in 15 patients (57.69% of cases) and impure in 11 patients (42.31% of cases). The treatment was essentially based on oral corticosteroid therapy (prednisolone: cotipred 20 mg). Corticosensitivity was observed in 22 patients, i.e., 84.61%, one (1) case of corticodependence (3.85%) and two (2) cases of corticoresistance, i.e., 7.69%. One (1) case of death was recorded, i.e., a frequency of 3.85%. Only one (1) patient had benefited from a renal biopsy puncture (RBP) and an anatomopathological examination. Conclusion: SN 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.