Management of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children with type 1 diabetes

Four children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) coexisting with type 1 diabetes are presented. This number is higher than expected according to the estimated prevalence rates for each disease separately. In three, diabetes preceded nephrotic syndrome (NS), and in one it developed almost simultaneously. None of the patients had hypertension or retinopathy. Two had a renal biopsy: in one it was compatible with minimal change histology (MCH), and the other had MCH and early diabetic nephropathy changes. In addition to the two presented here, in 11 of 12 previously reported cases with biopsy proven SSNS coexisting with type I diabetes, the biopsy showed MCH. In none was treatment influenced by biopsy results. However, our experience suggests that daily steroid taper allows easier glycaemic control than alternate day steroids. We conclude that the indications for a renal biopsy in nephrotic children with and without insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) should be similar.