Bone densitometry in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome on prolonged steroid therapy: A tertiary multicenter study

Long-term glucocorticoids administration inhibits bone mineralization and has a negative impact on basic cellular mechanisms that are critical in the development and maintenance of bone strength. Steroids can cause osteoporosis in children and have a negative impact on bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD). We aim to determine the BMD of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) who are on corticosteroids therapy. This cross-sectional study included 90 patients on corticosteroids therapy and 50 apparently healthy age and sex-matched children served as a control group. Renal functions, bone biochemistry, and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured in patients and controls. BMD was measured at the lumbar spinal region (L2–L4) using Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan in both patients and controls groups. Serum PTH, phosphorous, and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly higher in patients than in controls. There was a statistically significant reduction in blood calcium levels in patients compared to controls. Osteopenia was diagnosed by DEXA scan in 24 patients (26.7%) and osteoporosis in 12 patients (13.3 %). There was a statistically significant decline in BMD-z score, BMD, and BMC in patients compared to the healthy group. Patients with INS on corticosteroids treatment have a lower BMD than their peers. Pediatric INS patients had a high prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis as measured by DEXA. Steroid therapy has a deleterious impact on bone mineralization in children with INS.