[Recurrent hematuria in children]

Twenty-three children with recurrent macroscopic hematuria have been observed. Six children presented with glomerular disorder with mesangial deposits of IgG and IgA (Berger's disease). The hematuria episodes occurred in the 48 hours following an infection, more often respiratory. Renal functions were not impaired. On light microscopy, glomerular lesions were minimal, or were lesions of focal and segmental glomerulonephritis. Ten children seemed to have hereditary nephritis. In 5 cases, nephritis was accompanied by deafness (Alport's syndrome). In 5, nephritis was hereditary but isolated. The electron microscopy examination of basement membranes showed lesions consistent with Alport's syndrome. In cases of hereditary nephritis without deafness, basement membranes were less impaired. In 7 children, no specific etiology was found.