Cyclophosphamide Toxicity in Pediatric Nephrotic Syndrome Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background: Primary membranous nephropathy is a rare presentation in children. Patients unresponsive to steroids and experiencing frequent relapse are considered steroid-resistant. They often require complex treatment regimens consisting of immunosuppressants like cyclophosphamide, tacrolimus, and cyclosporin A. Case: In the present case, a 5-year-old child was suffering from steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome for the past 10 months. He was initially treated with prednisolone 20mg but was subsequently found to be steroid-resistant. A renal biopsy revealed primary podocytopathy with immunocomplex deposits in podocyte tissues, suggesting primary membranous nephropathy as the cause of SRNS (steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome). Cyclophosphamide 25mg twice daily was added to the treatment plan since the child did not tolerate tacrolimus therapy. During a subsequent follow-up, the physician reduced the cyclophosphamide 25mg dose to once a day, but parents misinterpreted this, and the child received a larger dose, cyclophosphamide 25mg, four times a day for 20 days. This resulted in cyclophosphamide toxicity-induced neutropenia, alopecia and posing the child at greater risk of sepsis. Conclusion: Nephrotic syndrome is a chronic disease that demands extensive treatment plans and strict monitoring. Medication errors are common among parents or caregivers of pediatric patients. This case is a take-home message emphasizing the significance of patient-centered communication in preventing medication errors. A clinical pharmacist can aid in conveying simple and unambiguous information to parents or caregivers.