All of the following are true regarding minimal change glomerulonephritis except: March 2005

Ans. A: Poor response to steroids This form of GN causes 80% of nephrotic syndrome in children, but only 20% in adults. As the name indicates, there are no glomerular changes visible on simple light microscopy, but on electron microscopy there is fusion of podocytes (suppoive cells in the glomerulus). Treatment consists of suppoive care for the massive fluid accumulation in the patient's body and as well as steroids to halt the disease process. Over 90% of children respond well to steroids, being essentially cured after 3 months of treatment. Adults have a lower response rate (80%). Failure to respond to steroids ('steroid resistant') or return of the disease when steroids are stopped ('steroid dependent') may require cytotoxic therapy (such as cyclosporin).