Resolution versus persistence of childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome—A population‐based study.

Aim Methods Results Conclusion To determine the duration of relapsing childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS).In this population‐based study, we retrospectively analysed the computerised database of Israel's largest health maintenance organisation. Children (age 2–10 years) with a new INS diagnosis and a corticosteroid (CS) prescription between 2000 and 2010 were included. NS category was determined, according to CS and/or steroid‐sparing agents (SSA) purchases.Out of 1 669 977 eligible children, 608 fulfilled inclusion criteria. Patients in the fourth quartile of purchases (n = 132) had an older age at last relapse (17.9 ± 6.3 vs. 11.3 ± 5.9 years, p < 0.001) and more SSA use (78.8% vs. 20%, p < 0.001) compared to the remaining three quartiles. A single episode occurred in 84 patients. Of the remaining 524 patients (males 66%, diagnosis age: 4.8 ± 2.2 years, SSA prescribed: 35%) who were followed for 15.5 ± 5.1 years, 113 (21.6%) had a continuing disease at an age of 19.3 ± 6.3 years. The leftover 411 entered long‐lasting treatment‐free remission at age 11.2 ± 5.7 years.In this multicentre study, we identified INS disease course by medication delivery. NS long‐standing remission occurs at age 11.2 ± 5.7 years in most cases. However, the disease continues into adulthood in a fifth of the relapsing patients, implicating the need for proper transition to adult care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]