Comparison of carotid intima media thickness in children with nephritic syndrome Vs healthy children

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome is one of the most common glomerulopathy within children and dyslipidemia as well as abnormal fat metabolism even during remission period can produce endothelial dysfunction and early atherosclerosis and promote cardiovascular disease (CVD). Carotid intima medial thickness (IMT) is well correlated with atherosclerosis and the aim of this study is to evaluate IMT as a risk factor of CVD in children.Methods: As case-control study, 30 children with nephrotic syndrome aged between2 and 12 years old, mean age 6.66 years with at least 2 years involvement enrolled the study. Thirty healthy children with mean age 9.93 year old selected as control group. All subjects on both groups underwent carotid ultrasound by one device and by one expert specialized operator. Data recorded and compared the results using chi square test and Fisher’s exact test between two groups.Results: The results showed that carotid intimal thickness in patients and healthy groups were 0.46 mm and 0.43 mm, respectively (p < 0.005). Age, sex and BMI has no significant effect on IMT.Conclusion: Long standing illness and steroid medication in children with nephrotic syndrome make them susceptible to atherosclerosis and early development of cardiovascular attack. Ultrasonographic ITM assay is a safe and non-invasive method to detect vulnerable patients

Keywords:

Nephrotic syndrome , Carotid intima medial thickness , Atherosclerosis