A meta-analysis of cytotoxic treatment for frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome in children.
키워드
요약
For over 30 years cyclophosphamide (CYC) and chlorambucil (CHL) have been used to treat children with relapsing steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). A meta-analysis on treatment protocols, efficacy, and side effects of CYC and CHL was performed from the literature. Thirty-eight studies comprising 1,504 children and 1,573 courses of cytotoxic drug therapy were systematically evaluated. Relapse-free survival rates increased with the cumulative dosage of CHL and CYC and were higher in children with frequently relapsing than steroid-dependent NS. The fatality rate of the treatment was approximately 1%. Leukopenia occurred in one-third of patients treated with either drug. Severe bacterial infections developed in 1.5% of the patients under CYC and in 6.8% under CHL. Seizures were observed in 3.6% of children treated with CHL. Malignancies were observed in 14 children after high doses of either drug. Females rarely developed permanent gonadal damage. However, no safe threshold for a cumulative amount of CYC was found in males, but there was a marked increase in the risk of oligo- or azoospermia with higher cumulative doses. From this meta-analysis we recommend CYC 2-3 mg/kg body weight for 8-12 weeks as the standard scheme. CHL has higher rates of severe side effects and should be considered a second-line drug.