Glucocorticoid receptors, in vitro steroid sensitivity, and cytokine secretion in idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

Background: Glucocorticoids (GC) represent the mainstay of treatment of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) and might be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. We evaluated basal secretion of cortisol, number and affinity of glucocorticoid receptors, dexamethasone (Dex)-mediated inhibition of concanavalin-A (Con-A)-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) proliferation, and cytokine secretion in patients with INS.

Methods: Blood and saliva were obtained from 20 INS patients in relapse and 11 control patients.

[Anterior urethral valves].

Objective: To discuss clinical signs, diagnostic tools and therapeutics of anterior urethral valves, an obstructive anomaly of the urinary system in males.

Description: Signs of urinary tract obstruction were identified on pre-natal ultrasound in two male fetuses and the diagnosis of anterior urethral valves was made through post-natal evaluation. As an initial treatment, vesicostomy was performed in both patients.