Operational Definitions

Remission: Urine protein/creatinine ratio (uPCR) < 200 mg/mmol or <1+ of protein on urine dipstick for 3 consecutive days Relapse: is defined as a reappearance of proteinuria; 3+ or 4+ on the dipstick for 3 consecutive days and can be either frequent or infrequent. Infrequent relapse NS: one relapse in 6 months or less than 3 relapses in a year Frequent relapse NS: two or more relapses in the initial 6 months or more than 4 relapses in a year. Steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (SDNS): is a form of a nephrotic syndrome characterized by relapse following dose reduction or within two weeks steroid discontinuation. Steroid resistance: failure to achieve remission within 8 weeks of initial steroid therapy.