Table 2 Definitions [6]

A. Nephrotic syndrome

The presence of a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio of 1.8 or above and serum albumin of 2.5 g/dL or below.

B. Complicated nephrotic syndrome

A patient that fulfills any of the following criteria is deemed to suffer from complicated nephrotic syndrome:

(1) Diagnosed with frequent relapse or steroid dependence and once again diagnosed with frequent relapse or steroid dependence after completion of immunosuppressive drug therapy (cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, mizoribine, etc.)

(2) Diagnosed with frequent relapse or steroid dependence and once again diagnosed with frequent relapse or steroid dependence during immunosuppressive drug therapy (cyclosporine, cyclophosphamide, mizoribine, etc.)

(3) Diagnosed with steroid resistance and diagnosed with frequent relapse or steroid dependence during or after the completion of immunosuppressive drug therapy (cyclosporine or combination of cyclosporine and methylprednisolone, etc.)

C. Remission

Negative protein on urine dipstick in the first morning urine for 3 consecutive days.

D. Steroid sensitivity

When the daily administration of prednisolone at 60 mg/m²/day leads to remission within 4 weeks.

E. Relapse

Protein 2+ or above detected by urine dipstick in the first morning urine for 3 consecutive days and prednisolone treatment is required.

F. Frequent relapse

Two or more relapses within 6 months after initial remission or 4 or more relapses within any 12-month period.

G. Steroid dependence

Two consecutive relapses during the reduction of steroid therapy or within 2 weeks of discontinuation of steroid therapy.

H. Steroid resistance

When the daily administration of prednisolone at 60 mg/m²/day does not lead to remission within 4 weeks.