[The influence of the initial prednisone treatment period on the adrenal function and the further course of the disease in steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children].

All together 184 children with the first attack of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome were included in the study: 44 were treated with prednisone for two, 68 for three and 72 for six months. All of them completed a two years follow-up period. In 67 the results of treatment were correlated with adrenocortical function evaluated by basal and Synacthen stimulated cortisol levels determined before and after treatment. Treatment results were expressed as: percentage of children in sustained remission at the second year, percentage of children relapse-free within the first six months, and the whole follow-up period, and average number of relapses per patient per year. The best results were obtained in children treated for six months, while the results obtained in those treated for two and three months were significantly worse. In 67 children studied no significant correlation between suppression of adrenocortical function and either treatment duration or tendency for early relapse was found. That, the six months initial prednisone treatment period which is effective and safe, should be recommended for steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children.