Health-related quality of life in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in upper Egypt: A single-center study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is considered a significant health issue in Egypt, with an increased percentage of those with steroid-resistant courses. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the health-related quality of life for those children with SRNS (steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome) can contribute to improved healthcare management strategies for them. Methods: This case control study consisted of a total of 160 participants, categorized into 3 distinct cohorts: 60 individuals with SRNS, and two control groups that were matched accordingly. The healthy control group included healthy children and a diseased control group with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) children. We use The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQLTM 4.0 Generic Core Scales) for the assessment of quality of life (QoL) in all the study participants. Results: The mean scores of PedsQL domains in the SRNS group were found to be significantly lower compared to the SSNS group (P < 0.05) as well as the healthy control group (P = 0.01). The findings of the regression analysis revealed that duration of illness, active disease at enrolment, number of relapses, number of hospital admissions, cushingoid facies, obesity, and receiving cyclosporine, rituximab, and cyclophosphamide were found to be correlated with decreased total PedsQL scores (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that we need integrated efforts, including both pediatric nephrologists and psychiatrists, to properly evaluate and improve QoL in Egyptian children suffering from SRNS. The PedsQL™ 4.0 Generic Core Scales is a straightforward and convenient tool that can be utilized as a preliminary evaluation to assess the QoL in NS children.