Four children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) coexisting with type 1 diabetes are presented. This number
is higher than expected according to the estimated prevalence rates for each disease separately. In three, diabetes preceded
nephrotic syndrome (NS), and in one it developed almost simultaneously. None of the patients had hypertension or retinopathy.
Two had a renal biopsy: in one it was compatible with minimal change histology (MCH), and the other had MCH and early diabetic
nephropathy changes. In addition to the two presented here, in 11 of 12 previously reported cases with biopsy proven SSNS
coexisting with type 1 diabetes, the biopsy showed MCH. In none was treatment influenced by biopsy results. However, our experience
suggests that daily steroid taper allows easier glycaemic control than alternate day steroids. We conclude that the indications
for a renal biopsy in nephrotic children with and without insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) should be similar.
Keywords Nephrotic syndrome - Glucocorticosteroids - Diabetes - Children
Received: 27 July 2001 / Revised: 15 January 2002 / Accepted: 15 January 2002