The Clinical Spectrum and Occurrence of Major Infections in Hospitalized Children With Nephrotic Syndrome

Abstract

Background Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is one of the most common renal ailments in the pediatric population. The management of NS with major infections remains a challenge to pediatricians and pediatric nephrologists, as it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In this study, we aimed to know the clinical spectrum and occurrence of major infections in hospitalized children with NS. Methods This prospective, observational study was conducted over a period of two years among hospitalized NS children from one year to 18 years. The clinical spectrum and hospital course were studied in detail, and the data generated were analyzed to obtain valid results. Results A total of 101 hospitalizations of 66 children were assessed for the occurrence of infective complications. The incidence rate of infective complications among the hospitalized nephrotics was 29.7%. Urinary tract infection (UTI) was the commonest infective complication, followed by spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). Other infective complications observed were pneumonia, enteric fever, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sepsis, tuberculosis, and varicella. Conclusion Infective complications are quite common among NS patients, where appropriate identification and prompt treatment could reduce morbidity and mortality.