Use of levamisole in children with nephrotic syndrome: A retrospective study to examine its adverse effects in children with nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: Levamisole, a synthetic imidazothiazole derivative has been used as a steroid sparing agent in children with Frequently Relapsing Nephrotic Syndrome (FRNS) and Steroid Dependent Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome (SDNS). Levamisole has been essentially considered a safe drug with minimal toxicity. We conducted this study to re-examine the safety of Levamisole in children with nephrotic syndrome and to describe the clinical profile of these children. Materials and Methods: Records of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome between June 2014 and December 2016 were reviewed. We identified frequently relapsing or steroid dependent children between 1-18 years of age who had received Levamisole for at least six months or in whom Levamisole was started but had to be withdrawn due to some adverse events in the first 6 months. Results: 21 children were started on Levamisole in the study period. 13 (61.90%) were FRNS and remaining had a steroid dependent course. Levamisole had to be withdrawn in one child at 1 month 13 days after initiation when the child developed severe headache. Levamisole also had to be discontinued in a 9 years old girl at 13 months after initiation of therapy due to polyarticular arthralgia involving both the small and large joints. Conclusions: The use of Levamisole warrants caution in children with Nephrotic Syndrome and its efficacy needs to be balanced against its potential side effects.