Partial lipodystrophy in a girl

A 9-year old girl presented with a 2-year history of severe loss of subcutaneous fat in her face. Her medical history included a self-limited episode of jaundice and mild fever 2 years prior. Laboratory examination revealed low serum C3 but normal serum C4. Renal function tests were normal. Low C3 can be a warning sign in patients partial lipodystrophy; it may be a harbinger of renal insufficiency. Patients with partial lipodystrophy may be predisposed to renal failure, especially after pregnancy or the use oral contraceptive pills.