Probucol for treatment of hyperlipidemia in persistent childhood nephrotic syndrome. Report of a prospective uncontrolled multicenter study.

In a prospective, uncontrolled multicenter study, we have evaluated the effects of probucol on hyperlipidemia, proteinuria, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in hyperlipidemic children with persistent nephrotic syndrome. Probucol was started for a total of 12 weeks in 8 children and for 24 weeks in 14 children. Lipoprotein profiles, serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, proteinuria, renal function, and electrocardiogram were monitored every 4 weeks. Side effects were recorded by questionnaire. Treatment was completed by 7 of 8 patients for 12 weeks and by 7 of 14 children for 24 weeks. After 12 weeks, the mean serum concentrations of triglycerides (−15%), total cholesterol (−25%), very low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (−27%), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (−23%), and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (−24%), as well as apolipoprotein (apo) A-I (−19%), apo B (−21%), and MDA (−32%) were reduced. The positive effects of probucol on the lipoprotein profile persisted over 24 weeks; however, there was no significant effect on either proteinuria or GFR. In conclusion, probucol had beneficial effects on lipoproteins and lipid peroxidation, but improved neither proteinuria nor GFR. The drug was generally tolerated well, but had to be discontinued because of a prolonged QT interval in 4 of 22 patients.