Comparison of Daily versus Every Other Day Treatment Regimen of Levamisole to Control Recurrence in the Childhood Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome

Background Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome is a kidney involvement that causes edema and heavy proteinuria with severe complications if the treatment is started late. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of Levamisole in the daily versus every other day treatment regimen to control recurrence in Childhood Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome. Materials and Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 52 children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome who referred to the pediatric nephrology clinic of Imam Reza Hospital of Kermanshah (Iran). The eligible patients divided into two groups using a random numbers table (Daily Group, n=10; Every Other Day Group, n=42). The first group received 2.5 mg /kg Levamisole daily and the second group received the same dose for every other day. Patients were investigated and followed up for at least 4 months. The clinical, laboratory variables, and side effects were compared between the two groups. Results: The two groups had no statistically significant difference interms of baseline variables. There was a significant statistical difference between the two groups in terms of follow-up period after treatment using Levamisole, steroid dose, and the number of recurrences so that the average of these variables in every other day group was higher compared to the daily group (P<0.05). Also, there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups in terms of different complications of vomiting, arthritis, skin rash, neutropenia, seizure, increased liver enzymes, and Urea-Creatinine. Conclusion According to the results, the better efficacy and safety of Levamisole in the daily vs. every other day regimen, daily administration of Levamisole to control recurrence in the Childhood Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome was recommended.

Keywords:

Childhood , Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome , Iran , Levamisole