A Case of Peritoneal Empyema in a Patient with Nephrotic Syndrome due to Medical Neglect

ABSTRACT

Nephrotic syndrome is a common chronic disease in childhood. Patients with nephrotic syndrome are at an increased risk of bacterial infections due to immunological changes secondary to proteinuria. Primary bacterial peritonitis is one of the most serious and common infectious complications. The rate of peritonitis is 2-6% and overwhelming infection still carries a mortality rate of 1.5%. We experienced a rare case of nephrotic syndrome complicated with severe peritonitis and peritoneal empyema in a 10-year old girl after 2 months of medical neglect by parents. Here we emphasize the importance of early detection and treatment of peritoneal infection in nephrotic syndrome.