ISSN:
1437-7799
Keywords:
Key words Bone mineral density
;
Cyclosporin A
;
Glucocorticoid
;
Nephrotic syndrome
;
Osteopenia
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Background. High doses of cyclosporin A (CsA) produce high-turnover osteopenia in rats. The aim of this study was to determine whether low-dose CsA affects the skeleton in children with nephrotic syndrome. Methods. Biochemical parameters of mineral and skeletal homeostasis, and bone mineral density (BMD) in eight boys with steroid-dependent, frequently relapsing minimal change nephrotic syndrome who had received low-dose CsA (between 1.6 and 3.1 mg/kg per day) for 2 years were compared with measurements in the same patients before CsA therapy and who had received glucocorticoids for long periods, and with measurements in age-matched controls. Results. It was possible to discontinue glucocorticoid therapy within 4 months after the start of CsA therapy. There was a significant increase in the mean serum alka-line phosphatase concentration in CsA therapy patients compared with the same patients before CsA therapy and the controls. Serum osteocalcin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, and urinary deoxypyridinoline concentrations in CsA therapy patients did not differ from those in the controls. BMD in CsA therapy patients was increased significantly compared with values in the same patients before CsA therapy. BMD in CsA therapy patients was lower than that in the controls, but remained within 80% of the overall mean BMD value. Conclusions. Two years of low-dose CsA therapy without glucocorticoids does not appear to induce high-turnover osteopenia in children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s101570070007
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