Behavioral changes in Egyptian children with nephrotic syndrome

Chronic illnesses, including nephrotic syndrome (NS), are associated with psychosocial stress. Our study aimed to assess psychological problems in children with NS. Sixty children with NS were assessed at the Children Hospital, in Cairo for behavioral changes. They responded to the Arabic version of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. The results were compared between those with steroid-sensitive NS (SSNS), steroid-dependent NS (SDNS), and steroid-resistant NS (SRNS). Three groups of patients with SSNS, SDNS, and SRNS, each consisting of 20 children aged between 4 and 16 years, were included. The SRNS group was significantly different from the other two groups regarding age at the onset of disease, total serum protein, serum albumin, serum calcium, and estimated glomerular filtration rate (lowest in the SRNS group) as well as 24-hour urine protein, blood urea nitrogen, and serum total cholesterol (highest in the SRNS group). In the SRNS group, the scores for emotional symptoms, peer relationship problems, and the total score were higher and the prosocial score was lower than the other groups, but with no statistical significance. Emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer relationship problems, hyperactivity, and the overall poor behavior scores might be more likely to be seen in children with SRNS group than other NS treatment status. We recommend that attention to behavioral problems of children with NS should be given early in the course of disease.