Even in adults, Minimal Change Disease typically has a favorable prognosis. Over 90% of patients will respond to oral steroids, with most of these having a complete remission. However, more than 50% of the adults who go into remission will relapse at some point in their lives, and for these patients either another course of steroids or another form of chemotherapy entirely may be necessary.
Although it is rare for Minimal Change Disease itself to lead to End Stage Renal Disease, some patients with MCD eventually develop another disease called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). FSGS is generally seen as a more aggressive disease, with less treatment options and more of a tendency towards eventual renal failure.