Management of nephrosis; the use of long continued hormone therapy.

The course of nephrosis in 36 children was evaluated. Twelve of 24 who received no treatment or short-term courses of steroids died. Eleven of the 24 had been well for six months to five years at the time of this report. Twelve patients received steroids by schedule over extended periods. One died and eleven had been free of signs and symptoms of nephrosis for four to eighteen months at the time of report. In only two cases was therapy discontinued. It seems evident that these patients are experiencing a better state of well-being. Whether or not the prognosis is being altered for any single patient cannot be determined.