Serological markers of viral, syphilitic and toxoplasmic infection in children and teenagers with nephrotic syndrome: case series from Mato Grosso State, Brazil

Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo. 2014 Nov-Dec;56(6):499-504. doi: 10.1590/s0036-46652014000600008.

Abstract

Some infections can be the cause of secondary nephrotic syndrome. The aim of this study was to describe the experience of a Renal Disease Reference Clinic from Central Brazil, in which serological markers of some infectious agents are systematically screened in children with nephrotic syndrome. Data were obtained from the assessment of medical files of all children under fifteen years of age, who matched nephrotic syndrome criteria. Subjects were tested for IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii and cytomegalovirus; antibodies against Herpes simplex, hepatitis C virus and HIV; and surface antigen (HBsAg) of hepatitis B virus. The VDRL test was also performed. 169 cases were studied. The median age on the first visit was 44 months and 103 (60.9%) patients were male. Anti-CMV IgG and IgM were found in 70.4% and 4.1%, respectively. IgG and IgM against Toxoplasma gondii were present in 32.5% and 5.3%, respectively. Two patients were positive for HBsAg, but none showed markers for HIV, hepatitis C, or Treponema pallidum. IgG and IgM against herpes simplex virus were performed on 54 patients, of which 48.1% and 22.2% were positive. IgM antibodies in some children with clinical signs of recent infection suggest that these diseases may play a role in the genesis of nephrotic syndrome.

Algumas infecções podem ser causa de síndrome nefrótica. O objetivo desse estudo foi descrever a experiência de clínica pediátrica de doenças renais do Brasil Central, onde marcadores sorológicos de algumas doenças infecciosas são sistematicamente avaliados em crianças com síndrome nefrótica. Dados foram obtidos de registros médicos de todas as crianças com menos de 15 anos que preenchiam critérios de síndrome nefrótica. Os participantes foram testados para presença de IgG e IgM contra Toxoplasma gondii e citomegalovirus; anticorpos contra herpes simples, vírus da hepatite C e HIV, além do antígeno de superfície da hepatite B (HBsAg). VDRL também foi testado. 169 casos foram estudados. A idade média na primeira visita foi 44 meses e 103 eram do sexo masculino (60.9%). Anti-CMV IgG e IgM foram identificados em 70,4% e 4,1%, respectivamente. IgG e IgM contra T. gondii eram positivos em 32,5% e 5,3%. Dois pacientes eram HBsAg positivos, mas nenhum mostrou positividade para HIV, hepatite C ou sífilis. IgG e IgM contra herpes simples foram realizados em 54 pacientes, dos quais 48,1% e 22,2% eram positivos. Anticorpos IgM positivos em algumas crianças com sinais clínicos de infecção recente sugerem que essas doenças podem exercer um papel na gênese da síndrome nefrótica.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / complications
  • Cytomegalovirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis B / complications
  • Hepatitis B / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis C / complications
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis
  • Herpes Simplex / complications
  • Herpes Simplex / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / parasitology*
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / virology*
  • Syphilis / complications
  • Syphilis / diagnosis
  • Toxoplasmosis / complications
  • Toxoplasmosis / diagnosis

Substances

  • Biomarkers