Nephrotic Syndrome is the most common glomerular disease in children and an important cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults. It is defined by the presence of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema, often accompanied by hyperlipidemia and lipiduria. Management involves corticosteroids as the mainstay in children, with treatment response determining prognosis. Adults are treated based on underlying histology, with corticosteroids and second-line immunosuppressants forming the cornerstone of therapy. Nephrotic Syndrome is associated with multiple complications including edema, hypertension, infections, hyperlipidemia, and thromboembolic events, which are managed by supportive medications such as diuretics, antihypertensives, hypolipidemic drugs, antimicrobials and anticoagulants.

Poor medication adherence in patients of nephrotic syndrome has been linked to increased frequency of relapses, steroid resistance, complications, and increased healthcare costs. Hence, medication adherence is a vital focus for overall disease outcomes in pediatric and adult nephrotic syndrome patients. There have been very few studies evaluating medication adherence in Nephrotic Syndrome in India. Hence, this study has been undertaken to assess medication adherence. Patient and caregiver awareness plays an important role in effective management of the condition. Adequate knowledge and awareness can help overcome the problems of poor adherence, misuse of medications, late identification of relapses and preventable complications. There has been no study done in India focused on detailed evaluation of Drug Awareness in Nephrotic Syndrome- including side effects and self-medication. There has also been no study on evaluation on Drug Awareness in adult as well as pediatric patients of nephrotic syndrome. Hence, the present study aims to evaluate Drug Awareness in patients of Nephrotic Syndrome

The treatment involves several drug classes with multiple drugs under each, resulting in variability in prescription patterns. There are only a few studies evaluating prescription patterns in Nephrotic Syndrome from Western India and there has been no study on evaluation of prescription patterns of nephrotic syndrome in Maharashtra. Hence, this study aims to assess prescription patterns in patients of nephrotic syndrome to identify real world treatment trends, adherence to standard treatment guidelines and variations across the age groups and healthcare providers

Patients of Nephrotic Syndrome have varying degrees of renal impairment for which dose adjustments are necessary. Improper doses of drugs can increase the risk of treatment failure and can lead to side-effects. Hence, assessing appropriateness of renal dose adjustments in patients of Nephrotic Syndrome is also necessary.

Till date, there has been no single study comprehensively evaluating Drug Awareness, perceived Medication Adherence and Prescription Patterns in Nephrotic Syndrome. Hence, the present study has been planned.

Primary Objective:

To evaluate the Drug Awareness in Adult patients & Parents/Caregivers of children suffering from Nephrotic Syndrome using a validated Drug Awareness Questionnaire.

Secondary Objective: 

1. To evaluate perceived medication adherence in patients of Nephrotic Syndrome using a validated Medication Adherence Questionnaire.

2. To evaluate the prescription pattern of drugs used in treatment of patients of Nephrotic Syndrome.

3. To evaluate the prescribed drug regimen as per the package insert of the prescribed drugs. 

The sample size will be 50 pediatric patients and 200 adult patients which is a total of 250 patients. Sample size has been calculated by convenience sampling method.

Primary and Secondary variables will be measured. Statistical analysis will be done.