[Determination of Endothelial Function in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome in Various States of Disease]

Endothelial function in clinical condition can be estimated non-invasively in peripheral circulation with high-resolution ultrasound imaging of flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of brachial artery. The aim of the report is the estimation of FMD in children with nephrotic syndrome (NS) in various states of disease. Forty one children with primary NS (22 boys and 19 girls) aged 9-20,3 years (mean age 15,4 years) were examined. The patients were divided into two groups. Group I (24 children) consisted of children in remission of steroid-dependent or steroid-resistant NS in course of Cyclosporin A treatment. Group II consisted of 17 patients admitted to our Clinical Department with relapse of NS. FMD examination was performed in both groups and proportional change in brachial artery diameter before and after four minutes long ischaemia caused by sphygmomanometer cuff pressure was estimated. As a norm 6% of extension was adopted. Mean FMD in group I was 7,2+/-7,4% and in group 11: 5,9+/-5,4% (p=NS). 63% patients in group I and 53% in group II had the results below normal values. Endothelial dysfunction can be observed in children with nephrotic syndrome. Endothelial dysfunction is presented both in relapse of disease and in children treated with Cyclosporin A.