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Urinary fibrin degradation products in childhood acute nephritis
Insights
Daily urine fibrin degradation products (FDP) excretion in children with acute post-streptococcal nephritis generally decreased during illness resolution. FDP monitoring may aid in managing certain patients during the acute phase.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Immunology
Background:
- Fibrin degradation products (FDP) are found in urine in various glomerulonephritis forms.
- FDP originate from the kidney, not blood filtration.
- Previous studies suggest FDP excretion ceases upon clinical recovery in post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the value of daily urine FDP estimations.
- To monitor children with acute post-streptococcal nephritis during the acute illness phase.
Main Methods:
- Daily measurement of urine FDP excretion in 14 children.
- Observation during the acute phase of post-streptococcal nephritis.
Main Results:
- Daily FDP excretion varied significantly among patients.
- A general trend of decreasing FDP excretion was observed as illness resolved.
- Some children exhibited no increase in FDP output.
Conclusions:
- Daily urine FDP monitoring can be a valuable tool for assessing disease progression in select pediatric patients with acute post-streptococcal nephritis.
- FDP excretion patterns correlate with clinical recovery stages.
Abstract:
Fourteen children with acute post-streptococcal nephritis had daily measurements of urine fibrin degradation products (FDP) excretion during the acute phase of their illness. The amount of FDP excreted daily varied greatly but a general decrease occurred as other parameters showed resolution of the illness. Some children showed no increase in FDP output. We feel, however, this test may help in monitoring the progress of this illness in certain patients. Fibrin degradation products (FDP) are excreted in the urine in many forms of glomerulonephritis (Clarkson and others, 1971). The origin of the FDP is renal and not filtrated from the blood (Ekberg, Pandolfi, 1975). Clarkson further showed that in post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis there is a cessation of FDP excretion at the time of clinical recovery. We have studied a group of children with acute post-streptococcal nephritis in order to further assess the extent and possible value of daily FDP estimations in the management of patients during the acute phase of the disease.