Behavior Pattern of Children with Nephrotic Syndrome Treated with Glucocorticoid

Open Access

Abstract

Background: Chronic diseases, such as nephrotic syndrome (NS), are linked to psychological stress. Glucocorticoid treatment in children with NS can also result in various negative effects, including issues with behavior. In clinical practice, the psychosocial elements of care can be neglected under the urgency to address the disease process, unless their significance is highlighted by valid evidence. Objectives: To recognize the psychological characteristics in children with NS through a specific instrument named “The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire” (SDQ) and to examine those behavioral issues. Methods & Materials: This prospective case-control study was carried out in different institutes and medical college hospitals of Dhaka and Bogura, namely National Institute of Kidney Diseases & Urology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Hospital, Institute of Child & Mother Health, Dhaka and Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital, Bogura from June 2017 to May 2018. A total of 100 NS cases aged 4-17 years were included through purposive sampling, along with 100 healthy controls matched for age and sex. The SDQ scoring was utilized to assess the behavior patterns. A data gathering sheet was created, utilizing the Bengali version of the SDQ template. Various metrics of variables were chosen. The SDQ was assessed alongside those variables, and the data were examined using SPSS (version 22). Results: The emotional symptoms scale, conduct problems scale, peer relationship problems scale, and total scale were notably higher in cases compared to controls, while the pro-social behavior scale was significantly lower. Conclusion: Children with NS show notable emotional symptoms, behavioral problems, and difficulties in peer relationships.