Nephrotic Syndrome in Elderly Patients: Three Years Experience at Siriraj Hospital
Manatchanok Jiratthawong MD*, Attapong Vongwiwatana MD*, Kriengsak Vareesangthip MD*, Somkiat Vasuvattakul MD*, Thawee Chanchairujira MD*, Tanyarat Teerapornlertratt MD*, Paisal Parichatikanond MD**, Boonyarit Choensuchon MD**
Affiliation : * Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand **Department of Pathology, Faculty of Pathology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Background : The population age is being high and nephotic syndrome is a common renal disease.
Objective : To find the etiology and clinical manifestations of nephrotic syndrome in the elderly patients who underwent renal
biopsy at Siriraj hospital including management and outcome.
Material and Method: Retrospective study in 76 nephrotic patients whose age > 50 years and underwent renal biopsy
between 2005-2007.
Results : Seventy six nephrotic patients with age ranged from 50-84 years were analysed. Primary glomerulonephritis
diseases were found more than secondary causes (5:2). The two most common glomerulonephritis were membranous GN
and focal/segmental glomerulosclerosis. The etiology of common secondary GN was lupus nephtitis 11.84% following by
diabetic nephropathy and amyloidosis. The patients received immunosuppressive drugs and complete response was found in
51%, partial response 10.2%, no response was 2% and no immunosuppressive therapy 36.7%. There was 1 patient died of
septicaemia.
Conclusion : Nephrotic syndrome in the elderly patients were not uncommon. The causes should be identified for prompt
management and excellent outcome.
Keywords : Nephrotic syndrome, Renal biopsy, Elderly
