Ocular findings in Japanese children with nephrotic syndrome receiving prolonged corticosteroid therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine ocular findings in Japanese children with nephrotic syndrome who receive prolonged corticosteroid treatment. METHODS: Information was retrospectively obtained from each patient's record. RESULTS: A total of 45 children (30 boys and 15 girls) were enrolled. Twenty-one patients (46.7%) had epiblepharon with inverted eyelashes. The incidence of epiblepharon was associated with overweight and obesity. Fifteen patients (33.3%) developed posterior subcapsular cataract in both eyes. Of the 15 patients, 4 had visual acuity less than 0.4 and underwent cataract extraction in both eyes. Nine patients (20%) developed intraocular pressure higher than 22 mm Hg during corticosteroid treatment. The total dose and duration of corticosteroid treatment were associated with cataract formation but were unassociated with elevated intraocular pressure. One boy had elevated intraocular pressure after cessation of corticosteroid therapy and underwent trabeculectomy. One patient had repeated hordeolum in the left eyelid. Three patients had bilateral bacterial conjunctivitis. CONCLUSION: Children with nephrotic syndrome who receive corticosteroid treatment may have epiblepharon, cataract, ocular hypertension, hordeolum and bacterial conjunctivitis.