Posterior Subcapsular Cataract in Nephrotic Children Receiving Steroid Therapy

Abstract

Posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) was observed in ten of 35 nephrotic children (28.5%) treated with corticosteroid hormone. It was noted that the larger the dose of the hormone used and the longer the duration of treatment, the higher the incidence of PSC. Irrespective of reduction or withdrawal of therapy, the opacities, once developed, remained unchanged during the period of observation. Compared with adults, children tend to develop PSC while receiving a much smaller steroid dose and during a shorter period of treatment. Regular ophthalmological examinations are strongly recommended.

Prevalence and predictors of ocular complications among children with nephrotic syndrome in a resource-limited setting

“…In our study, children who were 10 years and above had almost twice risk of developing ocular complications than those between 1 and 5 years. This could be because older children had started treatment earlier and therefore had been exposed to the steroids longer than the younger children as reported by Kobayashi et al, 1974 andBrocklebank et al, 1982(21, 22).…”

Frequency of posterior cataract in steroid-dependent or frequent relapse nephrotic syndrome in children.

“…24 According to Kobayashi et al and Brocklebank et al older children may have received therapy earlier and hence had more time to steroid treatment in comparison to relatively younger age group. 25,26 Relatively small sample size, single center study place and a cross-sectional study design were some of the limitations of this study. We were unable to prospectively follow up enrolled children which could have given us more insight about the relationship of various aspects of NS and posterior cataract.…”

Prevalence and predictors of ocular complications among children undergoing nephrotic syndrome treatment in a resource-limited setting

“…In our study, children who were 10 years and above had almost twice risk of developing ocular complications than those between 1 and 5 years. This could be because older children had started treatment earlier and therefore had been exposed to the steroids longer than the younger children as reported by Kobayashi et al, 1974 andBrocklebank et al, 1982 [25, 26].…”