MINIMAL CHANGE GLOMERULAR-DISEASE IN MALAYSIAN ADULTS AND USE OF ALTERNATE DAY STEROID-THERAPY

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 51  (203) , 312-328
Abstract
Patients (148) over the age of 12 yr were reviewed concerining minimal change glomerular disease (MCGD). The diagnosis was based on a typical clinical presentation and renal biopsy findings. Of patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, 45% have MCGD. The patients were predominantly young adults (82%) and the onset of nephrotic synmdrome (NS) occurred below the age of 30 yr. Most patients had severe edema and hypoalbuminemia; few recovered spontaneously. Long-term alternate-day steroid (LASt) therapy was given to 130 patients. Four patients had cyclophosphamide alone; 21 had cyclophosphamide after a trial of LASt. Eighty-four patients (62.7%) were initial responders, 17 of these after cyclophosphamide; 26 (19.4%) were initial nonresponders, 5 after cyclophosphamide; 19 were late responders. Nine patients were partial responders, 6 were nonresponders and 1 went into renal failure. Forty-one patients defaulted, emigrated or were seen only locally at the time of study. Ninety-nine patients were followed for 3-102 mo. (mean 23.3), and 37 were followed for 36-102 mo. Relapses were infrequent but occurred as late as 60 mo.