[Bone mineralization and calcium/phosphate metabolism in children with nephrotic syndrome].

The study was carried out in 20 children aged 6-18 years receiving long-term corticosteroid treatment for nephrotic syndrome. In these children densitometric evaluation of bone by DEXA method (total body and spine) and ultrasound measurement of heel were performed. Moreover, basic parameters of calcium-phosphate metabolism were determined. Osteoporosis and osteopenia were diagnosed in 6/20 (30%) patients. Disturbances of bone mineralisation were accompanied by hyperhydroxyprolinuria, hypercalciuria, hypocalcemia and also by some clinical symptoms. The results of these pilot investigations point at necessity periodical assessment of bone mineralisation and calcium-phosphate metabolism in children with nephrotic syndrome receiving corticosteroid treatment.