Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is considered as a major global health concern, and a higher proportion of children with NS have steroid resistance (SR). This study aimed to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of children with SRNS. METHODS: This case-control study was conducted from January to June 2023 at University Children's Hospital, Minia, Egypt. There were 160 participants in total who were divided into 3 groups: 60 participants with SRNS and 2 control groups (one of which had steroid-sensitive NS) that were matched appropriately. Each participant's QoL was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scales). RESULTS: Children with SRNS had the lowest mean scores across all domains of the PedsQL (P<0.001) with duration of the illness and high cumulative glucocorticoids being significant in the prediction of low QoL in those children (P = 0.01 each). CONCLUSIONS: To properly evaluate and improve the QoL for children with SRNS, coordinated efforts involving paediatric nephrologists and psychiatrists are required.