Setting New Directions for Research in Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome: Results From a National Workshop

BACKGROUND: We report on the proceedings of a national workshop held in Canada with the aims to identify priorities for research in childhood nephrotic syndrome and to develop a national strategy to address these priorities. METHODS: A diverse group of participants attended the meeting, including patients, family members, researchers, and health care providers. We used small group discussions to explore priorities as perceived by patients and families and by health care providers and researchers. RESULTS: Research evaluating glucocorticoid minimization or glucocorticoid-sparing regimens was a consistent theme in the patient and family discussion group. Families also indicated the need for precise prognostic information at diagnosis, more information to help them choose the best available therapy, and more resources for disease management. Health care providers emphasized the importance of better disease characterization including genotyping and phenotyping patients, better understanding the pathogenesis, and the need of providing targeted therapy and precise prognostic information. CONCLUSIONS: These priorities will inform the development and future directions of the Canadian Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome (CHILDNEPH) project, a national research initiative to improve care and outcomes of patients with childhood onset nephrotic syndrome.