Syphilis and nephrotic syndrome: A case report and literature review

A 31-year-old woman who had unprotected sexual intercourse with multiple partners presented to our hospital with bilateral leg edema, weight gain, and eyelid edema. One month before her visit, she had a fever of 38.0 ℃ for 2 days, and 1 week before her visit, she experienced fatigue. The presence of hypoalbuminemia, proteinuria, and leg edema raised the suspicion of nephrotic syndrome along with syphilis. She was treated with doxycycline for secondary nephrotic syndrome caused by secondary syphilis. Secondary syphilis is a well-known but rare cause of secondary nephrotic syndrome, and the occurrence rate, risk factors, and timing of occurrence are unknown. Therefore, we have supplemented this case report with a concise review of the relevant literature that delineates the use of appropriate antibiotic therapy in the management of secondary nephrotic syndrome derived from secondary syphilis.