Nephrotic syndrome associated with varicella infection

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Immunology
• Virology

Background:

• Nephrotic syndrome can occur post-infection.
• Varicella virus (chickenpox) is a common childhood illness.

Observation:

• A 4-year-old boy presented with nephrotic syndrome after varicella infection.
• He showed decreased complement levels (C3, C4, properdin factor B).
• Renal biopsy revealed immune complex glomerulonephritis with viral antigens.

Findings:

• Varicella virus antigen-antibody complexes deposited in glomeruli, activating complement pathways.
• Immune complex glomerulonephritis was confirmed ultrastructurally.
• Distinct changes in T-lymphocyte subsets (OKT8 increase, OKT4 decrease) were observed during the nephrotic phase.

Implications:

• Varicella infection can trigger post-infectious immune complex glomerulonephritis.
• Complement system activation plays a key role in the kidney damage.
• Dynamic alterations in lymphocyte subsets may contribute to the pathogenesis of varicella-associated nephrotic syndrome.