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Steroids are the cornerstone of the treatment of childhood nephrotic syndrome. The optimal duration for the first episode remains a matter of debate. The aim of this study is to determine whether the 8 weeks International Study of Kidney Disease in Children (ISKDC) regimen is equally effective as the 12 weeks steroid regimen from the German society of pediatric nephrology (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Pädiatrische Nephrologie [APN]). An individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials reporting on prednisolone treatment for a first episode of childhood nephrotic syndrome was conducted. European trials aimed at investigating the ISKDC and/or APN steroid regimen were selected. The lead investigators of the selected trials were requested to provide the IPD of the specific treatment groups. Four trials included European cohorts using dosing schedules according to the regimens studied. IPD of two trials were available. A significant difference was found in time to first relapse after cessation of steroid treatment between the 8 and 12 weeks treatment group with a median time to relapse of 29 and 63 days, respectively. Moreover, relapse rate ratios during total follow-up were 51% higher for the 8 weeks regimen. Finally, younger children have a significantly lower time to first relapse and frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome.Conclusions: The results of this IPD meta-analysis suggest that the 8 weeks steroid regimen for a first episode of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome may not be equally effective as the 12 weeks steroid regimen. Moreover, this study highlights the importance of using uniform definitions to enable accurate comparison and interpretation of trial results.Trial registration: Registration number: CRD42020199244, date of registration 16-08-2020 What is Known: • Steroids are the cornerstone of the treatment of childhood nephrotic syndrome, however the optimal duration for the first episode remains a matter of debate. • Currently, the 8 weeks ISKDC protocol and 12 weeks APN protocol are among the most frequently used protocols in Europe. What is New: • The 8 weeks steroid regimen for a first episode of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome may not be equally effective as the 12 weeks steroid regimen for the treatment of a first episode of nephrotic syndrome. • Younger children have a significantly shorter time to first relapse and time to frequent relapsing nephrotic syndrome., (© 2021. The Author(s).)

Nephrotic syndrome in childhood is a common entity in the field of pediatric nephrology. The optimal treatment of children with nephrotic syndrome is often debated. Previously conducted studies have shown significant variability in nephrotic syndrome management, especially in the choice of steroid-sparing drugs. In the Netherlands, a practice guideline on the management of childhood nephrotic syndrome has been available since 2010. The aim of this study was to identify practice variations and opportunities to improve clinical practice of childhood nephrotic syndrome in the Netherlands. A digital structured survey among Dutch pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists was performed, including questions regarding the initial treatment, relapse treatment, kidney biopsy, additional immunosuppressive treatment, and supportive care. Among the 51 responses, uniformity was seen in the management of a first presentation and first relapse. Wide variation was found in the tapering of steroids after alternate day dosing. Most pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists (83%) would perform a kidney biopsy in case of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome, whereas for frequent relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome this was 22% and 41%, respectively. Variation was reported in the steroid-sparing treatment. Finally, significant differences were present in the supportive treatment of nephrotic syndrome.Conclusion: Substantial variation was present in the management of nephrotic syndrome in the Netherlands. Differences were identified in steroid tapering, use of steroid coverage during stress, choice of steroid-sparing agents, and biopsy practice. To promote guideline adherence and reduce practice variation, factors driving this variation should be assessed and resolved. What is Known: • National and international guidelines are available to guide the management of childhood nephrotic syndrome. • Several aspects of the management of childhood nephrotic syndrome, including the choice of steroid-sparing drugs and biopsy practice, are controversial and often debated among physicians. What is New: • Significant practice variation is present in the management of childhood nephrotic syndrome in the Netherlands, especially in the treatment of FRNS, SDNS, and SRNS. • The recommendation on the steroid treatment of a first episode of nephrotic syndrome in the KDIGO guideline leaves room for interpretation and is likely the cause of substantial differences in steroid-tapering practices among Dutch pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists.