Some neutrophilic functions in pediatric poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis

Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis [PSGN] is the most common form of glomerulonephritis in children. Leucocytes play a role in mediating glomerular injury. Assessment of neutrophil functions [chemotaxis and phagocytic activity] was studied in 20 cases diagnosed as having PSGN [case group] and 10 age and sex matched healthy children [control group]. There was a statistically significant decrease in chemotaxis and phagocytosis of neutrophil leucocytes in index patients. There was a positive significant correlation between polymorphonuclear leucocyte functions - age and female sex. Meanwhile, there was nonsignificant correlation between antistreptolysin titer [ASOT] and chemotaxis [index and difference], while there was nonsignificant negative correlation between ASOT and phagocytosis [index and percentage]. There was a significant positive correlation between total leucocytic count and both chemotaxis and phagocytosis in case group. Also, there was a highly significant positive correlation between chemotaxis and phagocytosis of polymorphonuclear leucocyte functions in case group. This study revealed a defect in neutrophil functions as chemotaxis and phagocytosis in poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, so this may play a significant role in increasing infection among such children