Non-Palliative Treatment and Follow-Up of Children with Genetic Forms of Nephrotic Syndrome: A Narrative Mini-Review

Abstract

Nephrotic syndrome is the major clinic presentation of glomerulopathies in childhood. Steroid-unresponsiveness is the main indication for kidney biopsy and is closely related to genetic causes. However, the identification of more than 60 genes in the last 2 decades led to the need of new approaches to delay progression to chronic kidney disease and the need for kidney replacement therapy. The current review aimed to identify non-palliative therapeutical approaches to genetic forms of nephrotic syndrome in children and their follow-up. Genetic mutations play a significant role in the pathogenesis of nephrotic syndrome, influencing the choice of treatment strategies and individual patient outcomes. Calcineurin-inhibitors, coenzyme Q-10 supplementation and other drugs may reduce proteinuria and decrease the progressive decline of glomerular filtration rate.