The Canadian Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome Project (CHILDNEPH) Biobank

Summary

Nephrotic syndrome is the most common acquired kidney disease in children. Affected children have massive leakage of protein into the urine as a consequence and develop body swelling (edema). Most children respond to treatment with drugs (steroids), however, many of them require repeated courses of steroids to treat the frequent relapses of the disease.

Long term steroid usage causes many side-effects including obesity, growth retardation, hypertension and cataracts.

We want to minimize steroid usage in the treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome because it is the number one priority of the patients and families. To do this, we need to figure out how this common pediatric disease occurs; so, we are collecting biological samples (blood and saliva), clinical and demographic information from children presenting with Nephrotic Syndrome. These samples and clinical information will be used by scientists to shape future Nephrotic Syndrome research and to find new ways to treat childhood Nephrotic Syndrome.