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Elements of renal injury in patients with erysipelas

Silvia Velciov1, Gh Gluhovschi, V Feier

  • 1Nephrology, University of Medicine, Timişoara, Romania. s_velciov@yahoo.com

Romanian Journal of Internal Medicine = Revue Roumaine De Medecine Interne
|March 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Erysipelas, an infection by streptococci, can cause kidney issues like glomerular disease. This study found nearly half of erysipelas patients had urinary abnormalities, highlighting the need for renal monitoring in these infections.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Erysipelas, caused by group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, is known to potentially cause renal lesions, primarily glomerular disease.
  • Renal involvement in erysipelas is understudied, with limited bioptical examinations performed, leaving the relationship between erysipelas and glomerular disease largely unresolved.
  • This study addresses the gap in understanding renal complications associated with erysipelas.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a cross-sectional analysis of renal involvement in patients diagnosed and treated for erysipelas.
  • To investigate the prevalence of urinary abnormalities and assess glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in erysipelas patients.
  • To compare renal findings between erysipelas patients and a healthy control group, and analyze differences based on department and recurrence.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 166 hospitalized erysipelas patients (mean age 61.66) from Dermatology and Infectious Diseases departments (2005-2009).
  • Clinical and biological examinations were performed, including assessment of GFR and urinalysis for hematuria and proteinuria.
  • A control group of 110 healthy individuals was included for comparison.

Main Results:

  • Asymptomatic urinary abnormalities were found in 47% of erysipelas patients, significantly higher than the 23% in the control group (p < 0.01).
  • Proteinuria and/or hematuria were observed in 24% of patients; no nephrotic or nephritic syndrome cases were identified.
  • Urinary abnormalities were more frequent in patients from the Infectious Diseases department (p < 0.03) and in those with recurrent erysipelas.

Conclusions:

  • Erysipelas is associated with a significantly higher prevalence of asymptomatic urinary abnormalities compared to the general population.
  • Recurrent erysipelas and treatment in the Infectious Diseases department correlate with increased renal involvement.
  • Close monitoring of urinary parameters is recommended for erysipelas patients, especially those with recurrent disease, during antibiotic treatment.

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