azithromycin + steroids

Azithromycin + steroids is a combination therapy being investigated for the treatment of steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) in pediatric patients. This specific regimen, studied by the University of Child Health Sciences and Children's Hospital, Lahore, involves the addition of the macrolide antibiotic azithromycin to the standard-of-care corticosteroid treatment (typically prednisolone). Azithromycin functions by binding to the 23S rRNA of the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit, inhibiting protein synthesis; however, in the context of nephrotic syndrome, its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties are hypothesized to reduce the frequency of relapses, which are often triggered by upper respiratory tract infections. Corticosteroids act as agonists of the glucocorticoid receptor, exerting broad immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects by modulating gene expression. The combination aims to improve remission rates and safety outcomes in children aged 2 to 14 years.

Other names

Azithromycin and steroids