EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF PROLONGED TREATMENT WITH CYCLOSPORINE IN CHILDREN WITH FOCAL SEGMENTAL GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS

<em>The article analyzes results of successful prolonged treatment of children with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Treatment with cyclosporine (median dose 4–5 mg/kg of body weight) combined with prednisolone (1–1.5 mg/kg/48 hours) was performed in 34 patients 1.5–16 years old with FSGS. Pulse-treatment with methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg every other day, 3–6 injections) was performed in 21 patients for the purpose of remission induction. In 6 month of treatment with cyclosporine, total clinical and laboratory remission of corticosteroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (CRNS) was detected in 12 (35%) patients, partial one — in 9 (26%) patients, remaining CRNS — in 13 (38%) of children. In 12 months of treatment total remission of CRNS was detected in 18 (53%) children, partial one — in 7 (21%) children, unefficient treatment — in 7 (21%) patients. Dose of prednisolone was decreased to minimal supporting level in 68% of children, and in 32% of patients corticosteroids were canceled. Thus, treatment with cyclosporine was effective in most children with SRNS and FSGS. Prolonged administration of cyclosporine up to 2 years and longer can be performed if regular control of kidney function is provided and symptoms of nephrotoxic action of this drug is absent (according to results of repeated biopsy).</em><br /><strong><em>Key words: children, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, cyclosporine, methylprednisolone.</em></strong><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>(<em><em>Voprosy sovremennoi pediatrii — </em></em>Current Pediatrics. – 2010;9(4):<em><span>155-159</span></em>)</em>