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Nephrotic Syndrome Following H1N1 Influenza in a 3-Year-Old Boy
Pietro Ferrara1, Antonio Gatto, Ottavio Vitelli
1Department of Pediatric Sciences, A. Gemelli University Hospital, Rome, Italy ; Campus Bio-Medico University, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Influenza A/H1N1 can cause kidney problems, like nephrotic syndrome, even in children. Early antiviral treatment with oseltamivir aided recovery in a pediatric case.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The 2009 influenza A/H1N1 pandemic caused widespread illness.
- Influenza complications typically affect the respiratory system, particularly in vulnerable age groups.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old boy presented with nephrotic syndrome following an upper respiratory infection.
- The patient tested positive for influenza A/H1N1.
Findings:
- Treatment with oseltamivir, prednisone, furosemide, and albumin resulted in progressive clinical and laboratory improvement.
- Renal function normalized within a 2-month follow-up period.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for renal complications following influenza A/H1N1 infection in children.
- Consideration of renal involvement is crucial in pediatric patients with influenza, even without typical risk factors.
Background:
The pandemic influenza A/H1N1, spread through the world in 2009, producing a serious epidemic in Italy. Complications are generally limited to patients at the extremes of age (<6 months or >65 years) and those with comorbid medical illness. The most frequent complications of influenza involve the respiratory system.
Case Presentation:
A 3-year-old boy with a recent history of upper respiratory tract infection developed a nephrotic syndrome. Together with prednisone, furosemide and albumin bolus, a therapy with oseltamivir was started since the nasopharyngeal swab resulted positive for influenza A/H1N1. Clinical conditions and laboratory findings progressively improved during hospitalization, becoming normal during a 2 month follow up.
Conclusion:
The possibility of a renal involvement after influenza A/H1N1 infection should be considered.
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Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
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Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
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Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
