Effect of levamisole on T cell in minimal change nephrotic syndrome
Dayal, R.; Prasad, R.; Mathur, P.; Sharma, R.; Elhence, B.R.; Singh, K.
Indian Pediatrics 25(12): 1184-1187
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0019-6061 PMID: 3266962 Document Number: 324756
T lymphocytes were studied in 20 children with nephrotic syndrome and 5 controls. T lymphocyte count was done by E rosette method and lymphoblast transformation was studied using phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Prednisolone was given to patient with MCNS in a dose of 2 mg/kg/day till 14 days after proteinuria subsided and then tapered off. Two weeks later levamisole was given in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg as a single dose on alternate days for 6 months. These cases were followed up for one year. T cell status was reassessed 6 weeks after starting levamisole. Of 20 cases, 11 had MCNS, 4 each mesangial proliferative and membranous histology and one mesangiocapillary nephritis. All cases of MCNS had received steroids without any reduction in the number of relapses. E rosette count and lymphoblast transformation were lowest in children with MCNS (p < 0.01). After 6 weeks of therapy with levamisole, they were significantly elevated in most cases (p < 0.01). These children remained in remission during the follow-up phase. We fell levamisole therapy reduced the number of relapses and prolonged the remission.