Spectrum of infections in children with newly diagnosed primary nephrotic syndrome

ABSTRACT

Children with primary nephrotic syndrome are more susceptible to bacterial infections which may trigger disease or relapse or cause steroid resistance in these children. To determine the spectrum of infections in children with newly diagnosed primary nephrotic syndrome. A Retrospective case record analysis was carried out in the department of Pediatric Nephrology, National institute of child health [NICH], Karachi from January 2007 -December 2008. Patients with newly diagnosed primary nephrotic syndrome who presented with various bacterial infections were included in the study. Data for age, gender, type of infection were computed on SPSS -10 and analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of 355 children with renal problems were registered during the study period, out of which 155 were newly diagnosed primary nephrotic syndrome. Sixty [38.7%] children had one or more infections at the time of admission. There were 34[56.7%] boys and 26[43.3%] girls whose ages ranged from 1-15 years [mean 5.22 years]. Majority of patients [36] were below 5 years of age and 24[40%] were above 5 years. Acute respiratory tract infection and urinary tract infections were the most common infections found in 28[46.6%] and 15[25%] cases respectively. Common clinical presentation was edema [100%] followed by fever in 52[86.6%], cough in 28[46.6%], urinary symptoms in 12[20%], vomiting in 8[13%] and diarrhea in 7[11.6%].One patient presented with convulsions. For children presenting with primary nephrotic syndrome, acute respiratory infection and urinary tract infections should be kept as the commonest reason for infection