Steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome in a child with chronic hepatitis B infection.

Steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) continues to be a challenge for pediatric nephrologists the world over. Secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome need to be searched for in all cases of steroid resistance. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with several types of glomerulonephritis, most commonly being membranous nephropathy (MN) in children. It is an important cause of secondary nephrotic syndrome in countries with high prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We present a case of SRNS in a 5-yr-old boy who had received 3 weeks of daily steroids before referral to our hospital. At presentation the child had urinary tract infection (UTI) which was adequately treated. The child had persistence of proteinuria, even after completing 4 weeks of daily steroids in adequate dose. Secondary causes of nephrotic syndrome were looked for which revealed presence of chronic HBV infection in the patient with a very high viral load. Kidney biopsy was characteristic of MN with predominant IgG, & minor IgM, and C3 deposits in subepithelial region. The child responded to treatment with Lamivudine with reduction in edema and proteinuria.