Objective: To develop better therapy mode and reduce the rate of relapse of nephrotic syndrome in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). Methods:Compared the effect of 2-month steroid treatment (standard course) according to International Study of Kidney Disease of Children (ISKDC) versus 6-month treatment (long course) on the clinical course of SSNS in a 2-year follow up in our centre. Long course of consisted from following: Prednisolone 60 mg/m2/day for 4 weeks, then 40 mg/m2/ alternate day for 4 weeks and slowly tapering off by 10 mg/m2/ alternate day in four months, total course of 6 months.Medical records of patients seen from 2008-2010 were reviewed. A total of 56 patients were included in the study (standard course group=29, long course group=27). All patients were treated with steroid alone. We have excluded patients who were previously treated, those who suffered from steroid resistant nephritic syndrome. Results:After following up for 2 years, the relapse rates of both groups were observed. Patients treated with long course steroid had significantly lower relapse rate (33% versus 75%, p= 0.026) and higher percentage of sustained remission (p=0.0046) than that of standard course. None of our patients had significant growth retardation or hypertension. Conclusion:In conclusion, with the limitations and constraints in mind, the 6-month corticosteroid therapy is more likely to provide better rate of sustained remission when compared to the standard ISKDC regimen as the initial management of first episode SSNS.

β-Thalassemia minor is a common heterozygous hemoglobinopathy that is characterized by both microcytosis and hypochromia. It has been postulated that low grade hemolysis, tubular iron deposition and toxins derived from erythrocytes might cause renal tubular damage in adult patients with β-thalassemia minor. The aim of this study is to investigate the renal tulbar function in children with β-thalassemia minor and to determine its possible harmful effects. Methods: The study was conducted on 50 children (22 male and 28 female) at the age of years (range 4-19 years) with β-Thalassemia minor. A control group was formed with 50 healthy children whose ages and sexes match those in the first group. Blood and 24-hour urine samples were obtained for hematologic and biochemical analysis. Results: There was statistically significant difference among the two groups in terms of the results of FE UA (%) , TPR (%) , FE k (%) , GFR , Urine uric Acid , serum Mg (P < 0/05). But other significant signs of renal tubulopathy such as hypercalciuria , and tubular proteinuria (β 2-microglobolinuria) were not seen. Conclusion: On the contrary of children with β-Thalassemia major , renal tubular dysfunction is not common in children with β-Thalassemia minor. .Alsow it suggested that in future studies to confirm renal tubular disfanction should be considered specific test such as NAG measurement and specific parameter of oxidative stress such as urin zinc level (indirect evidence of oxidative stress).