Efficacy of levamisole in children with frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of levamisole in frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective analysis of hospital case records. SETTING Pediatric nephrology department of a tertiary referral pediatric hospital. PARTICIPANTS 62 children with frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome and 35 children with steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome. METHODS Case records of children who were diagnosed as steroid-dependant or frequently-relapsing nephrotic syndrome from June 2004 to June 2011, were reviewed. Levamisole was given daily (2 mg/kg/d) along with tapering doses of alternate day steroids after remission on daily steroids. RESULTS Levamisole was effective in 77.3% children with a better (80.6%) efficacy in frequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome. A total of 34 children completed 1 year follow-up post levamisole therapy. The cumulative mean (SD) steroid dose 1-year before therapy was 4109(1154) mg/m2 and 1-year post therapy was 661 (11) mg/m2 (P<0.001). The relapses were also less during the period of post-levamisole therapy. CONCLUSION Levamisole is an effective alternative therapy in frequently relapsing and steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome.