Treatment:

Corticosteroids can cure minimal change disease in most children. Some patients may need to stay on steroids to keep the disease in remission.

Adults do not respond to steroids quite as well as children, but many still do find steroids effective. Adults may have more frequent relapses and steroid dependence.

Frequent relapsers (more than three relapses) may need cytotoxic therapy. In most cases, this involves a course of cyclophosphamide. Other medicines that have been used include cyclosporine and chlorambucil.

Swelling may be treated with:

• ACE inhibitor medicines
• Blood pressure control
• Diuretics (water pills)

You may receive instructions on how much salt to allow in your diet.

Expectations (prognosis):

Minimal change disease usually responds well to corticosteroids, often within the first month. A relapse can occur, but patients may improve after prolonged treatment with corticosteroids and medications that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressive medications).

Complications:

• Nephrotic syndrome
• Side effects of medications

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you develop symptoms of minimal change disease.

If you have this disorder, call for an appointment with your health care provider if your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, including side effects from the medications used to treat the disorder.