[Arterial hypertension, hematuria and renal involvement before chickenpox]

M Moros Peña1, M Labay Matías, C de Miguel Pardo

  • 1Servicio de Pediatría, Hospital General Obispo Polanco, Teruel.

Insights

Chickenpox can rarely cause kidney problems like glomerulonephritis in children. This case highlights early renal symptoms preceding typical chickenpox rash, with spontaneous recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chickenpox (varicella) is typically a mild childhood illness.
  • Serious complications are rare, but renal involvement is uncommon.
  • Early identification of potential complications is crucial for patient outcomes.

Observation:

  • A 6-year-old girl presented with clinical glomerulonephritis.
  • Symptoms included arterial hypertension, hematuria, and transient renal dysfunction.
  • These signs appeared two days before characteristic chickenpox skin lesions.

Findings:

  • The patient exhibited signs of glomerulonephritis preceding the onset of chickenpox rash.
  • Renal function disturbance was transient, indicated by creatinine clearance.
  • The child experienced a spontaneous recovery within two weeks.

Implications:

  • This case suggests a potential for early renal manifestation of chickenpox.
  • Highlights the importance of monitoring renal function in children with suspected varicella.
  • Underscores that glomerulonephritis can be an early, albeit rare, complication of chickenpox.

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