What is the primary goal of steroid therapy for a child with nephrotic syndrome?

The primary goal of steroid therapy for a child with nephrotic syndrome is to stimulate diuresis. In nephrotic syndrome, there is significant proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema due to the altered permeability of the glomerular membrane. Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and control the underlying pathology of the kidneys, leading to a reduction in proteinuria. As the condition improves, fluid balance is restored, which helps in reducing edema and promoting diuresis, resulting in the excretion of excess fluid retained in the body.

While preventing infection is important in managing nephrotic syndrome due to an increased risk resulting from immunosuppression, it is not the primary goal of steroid therapy itself. Similarly, providing hemopoiesis is not a direct aim of steroids in this context; rather, these medications target the kidney's response in nephrotic syndrome. Reducing blood pressure is also relevant in certain therapeutic contexts but does not directly relate to the primary objective of managing nephrotic syndrome with steroids. The focus remains squarely on addressing the excessive fluid retention and protein loss through the stimulation of diuresis and improvement of kidney function.