[Assessment on application of Chinese herbs in process of corticosterone reduction in nephrotic syndrome].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of Chinese herbs in the process of corticosterone (CS) reduction in nephrotic syndrome.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty patients of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome sensitive to prednisone treatment were divided into two groups randomly. The dosage of prednisone used was reduced by routine in both groups but Chinese herbal treatment was added to the treated group in the period of prednisone reduction. The effect of Chinese herbs was estimated by observing the recurrence rate of disease and side-effects of prednisone.

RESULTS

The recurrence rate of disease and the occurrence rate of side-effects of prednisone in the treated group were lesser than that in the control group significantly (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Additional Chinese herbs in the process of CS reduction in the treatment of CS sensitive nephrotic syndrome could extenuate markedly the recurrence rate of disease and the side-effect of CS reduction.