Indonesian Journal of Global Health Research
Vol. 8 No. 6 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Global Health Research: December 2026

Association Between Nephrotic Syndrome Status (Active Disease and Remission) and Vitamin D and Calcium Levels in Children

Annike Indah Kencana (Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Oke Rina Ramayani (Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Johannes Harlan Saing (Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Rina Amelia (Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Rosmayanti Syafriani Siregar (Universitas Sumatera Utara)
Karina Sugih Arto (Universitas Sumatera Utara)



Article Info

Publish Date
14 Sep 2026

Abstract

Pediatric nephrotic syndrome causes massive proteinuria, resulting in urinary loss of albumin, vitamin D-binding protein, and calcium-binding proteins. These losses may lead to vitamin D deficiency and impaired calcium homeostasis. Evidence regarding the association of active disease and remission with vitamin D and calcium levels among Indonesian children remains limited. This study aimed to examine the association between nephrotic syndrome status (active disease and remission) and vitamin D and calcium levels in children at Adam Malik Hospital, Medan. This analytical observational study used a cross-sectional design and included children aged 1-18 years with active nephrotic syndrome or nephrotic syndrome in remission. Data were obtained from medical records and laboratory measurements of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and calcium. Univariate analysis was used to describe participant characteristics. Associations between variables were assessed using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A total of 66 patients were analyzed, including 33 with active nephrotic syndrome and 33 in remission. In the active-disease group, 90.9% had vitamin D deficiency and 78.8% had hypocalcemia. Fisher's exact test showed a significant association between nephrotic syndrome status and vitamin D status (p = 0.033). In contrast, nephrotic syndrome status was not significantly associated with calcium status (p = 0.108), although hypocalcemia was more frequent in the active-disease group than in the remission group. Active nephrotic syndrome was significantly associated with vitamin D deficiency but not with serum calcium status. Periodic monitoring of vitamin D levels should be considered as part of the evaluation of children with nephrotic syndrome, particularly during active disease, to prevent complications related to bone and mineral metabolism.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJGHR

Publisher

Subject

Description

Indonesian Journal of Global Health Research is a open access, peer reviewed and refereed international journal. Indonesian Journal of Global Health Research aim to publish original research paper devoted to various area of all health sciences. Indonesian Journal of Global Health Research provides a ...