Congenital and infantile nephrotic syndrome in Thai infants

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2005 Mar;44(2):169-74. doi: 10.1177/000992280504400209.

Abstract

Congenital and infantile nephrotic syndrome reported from the Eastern world is rare and might be a different entity from that in the West. In a retrospective review of 10 nephrotic syndrome in Thai infants (5 girls and 5 boys), 7 were diagnosed with congenital nephrotic syndrome and 3 with infantile nephrotic syndrome. Two had congenital nephrotic syndrome secondary to congenital syphilis. All had edema, ascites, and failure to thrive. Of the 3 patients tested for thyroid function, all showed hypothyroidism. Two patients developed renal failure. Renal tissue was examined from 4 patients from 3 biopsies and 2 autopsies; only 1 patient showed tubular microcysts. Symptomatic therapy was performed concurrently with penicillin therapy in 2 patients having congenital syphilis. Prednisolone, cyclophosphamide, captopril, and enalapril were tried in some patients, with little effect. Five patients died from respiratory failure complicated by later infection, 1 patient died from renal failure, and 4 patients were lost to follow-up. Nephrotic syndrome in the first year of life in the Eastern world is rare. Prognosis of nephrotic syndrome in Thai infants at this time is still poor.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hematocrit
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Male
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / congenital*
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / diagnosis*
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / therapy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Thailand
  • Thyroid Hormones / blood
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Thyroid Hormones