Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development
  • Year: 2017
  • Volume: 8
  • Issue: 1

Efficacy of Levamisole as a Steroid Sparing Drug in Children Suffering from Frequently Relapsing and Steroid Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome

  • Author:
  • Alok Khanna1,, Sanjiv Nanda2, Jitender Jakhar3, Kapil Bhalla4, Anjali Verma4, Raman Wadhera5, Manish Swami6
  • Total Page Count: 4
  • Page Number: 99 to 102

1Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, PGIMS, Rohtak

2Senior Professor, Department of Pediatrics, PGIMS, Rohtak

3Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, PGIMS, Rohtak

4Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, PGIMS, Rohtak

5Professor, Deptt. of ENT, PGIMS, Rohtak

6Junior Resident, Department of Pediatrics, PGIMS, Rohtak

*Corresponding author: Dr. Alok Khanna Associate Professor, 8/8FM, PGIMS Campus, Rohtak Email: vj78@live.in

Online published on 4 January, 2017.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of levamisole in children suffering from primary nephrotic syndrome (NS) who were steroid dependent (SDNS) or frequently relapsing (FRNS). It was observed that addition of levamisole to alternate day prednisolone therapy and continuing it after the prednisolone therapy was stopped significantly reduced the relapse rate. This also resulted in significantly reduced use of corticosteroids. There were minimal side effects due to levamisole. It is therefore concluded that levamisole reduces the incidence of relapses. This results in more disease free life and less steroid requirements.

Keywords

Nephrotic Syndrome, Levamisole, Steroid, Relapses