Effect of cesarean section on relapse of childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome.

In parallel with the increase in the prevalence of childhood chronic diseases, the rate of cesarean delivery has risen during the past decades. This study tested the hypothesis that children delivered by cesarean section (CS) have a higher risk of relapse of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). Fifty-six children with INS were categorized into three groups. Group A consisted of patients with INS who had no relapses after the onset of INS; group B consisted of patients with INS who had infrequent relapse; and group C consisted of patients with INS who had frequent relapse. The number of enrolled patients in groups A, B, and C was 10, 14, and 32, respectively. The ratio of neonates delivered via CS was significantly higher in group C (37.5%, P < 0.001) than in groups A (0%) and B (7.1%). This study shows that CS is associated with an increased risk of relapse of childhood INS.