FREQUENCY OF FACTORS OF RELAPSE IN CHILDHOOD NEPHROTIC SYNDROME

Abstract

Background:  Childhood nephrotic syndrome has a high rate of relapse, causing frequent morbidity from the disease and a cumulative increase in exposure to steroids. Knowing which factors are often associated with a condition may help in early detection of the condition and prevention. Objective: To determine the frequency of factors leading to relapse in childhood nephrotic syndrome. Methods This was a Cross-Sectional Study that was carried out at Department of Pediatrics, Mardan Medical Complex Mardan from December 2025 to May 2026. The children aged 1-10 years with relapsed nephrotic syndrome were consecutively sampled, and a total of 114 children were selected. The factors associated with relapse were: age <5 years, poor economic status, personal and family history of atopy, urinary tract infection (UTI), respiratory tract infection (RTI) and helminthiasis. Data were analysed in SPSS 26. Frequencies, percentages, and chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used, and a p value of ≤0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results: The mean age was 5.2±2.1 years, and 68 (59.6%) children were male. Age <5 years was present in 76 (66.7%), poor economic status in 82 (71.9%), personal atopy in 58 (50.9%), family history of atopy in 45 (39.5%), UTI in 44 (38.6%), RTI in 39 (34.2%), and helminthiasis in 10 (8.8%). Rural children were significantly more likely to be age <5 years (p=0.03) and to be in poor economic status (p=0.02); personal atopy was associated with male gender (p=0.04). Conclusion:  Children with relapse were often younger, and were more likely to be socially disadvantaged, have atopy and infections. Identification and treatment of potentially modifiable factors may lead to a decrease in morbidity related to relapse and exposure to corticosteroids.