Akeberegn Abrham Bire, Bizuneh Amanuel Anegagregn
Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences Hawassa University Ethiopia.
School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences Hawassa University Ethiopia.
Clin Case Rep. 2025 Sep 9;13(9):e70861. doi: 10.1002/ccr3.70861. eCollection 2025 Sep.
Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is an important immunological complication that follows Group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections. It usually affects children between 5 and 15 years of age and is rarely seen in children younger than 3 years, likely because their immature immune systems limit the exaggerated immune response. The condition typically presents with hematuria, edema, hypertension, and renal insufficiency. Diagnosis is supported by elevated antistreptolysin O (ASO) titers, low complement levels, and a recent history of GAS infection. Although the prognosis in children is generally good, APSGN continues to be a significant concern in regions where GAS is endemic. A 22-month-old girl, previously healthy, developed periorbital swelling, generalized edema, and tea-colored urine after a recent upper respiratory tract infection. Laboratory tests showed proteinuria, hematuria, reactive ASO titers, and mild anemia, while imaging studies were unremarkable. Based on clinical and laboratory findings, APSGN was diagnosed. She was managed with furosemide, nifedipine, and ceftriaxone. Her condition improved markedly, with complete resolution of hematuria and proteinuria within 2 months. ASO titers returned to normal, and renal function was fully restored. This case demonstrates the uncommon occurrence of APSGN in children under 3 years of age and stresses the importance of including it in the differential diagnosis of nephritic syndrome in toddlers. The excellent outcome in this patient reflects the generally favorable prognosis of APSGN in pediatric populations. Early recognition and treatment remain essential, as GAS infections in infants, though less common, can still lead to post-infectious complications such as APSGN.
急性链球菌感染后肾小球肾炎(APSGN)是A组链球菌(GAS)感染后的一种重要免疫并发症。它通常影响5至15岁的儿童,3岁以下儿童很少见,可能是因为他们未成熟的免疫系统限制了过度的免疫反应。该病通常表现为血尿、水肿、高血压和肾功能不全。抗链球菌溶血素O(ASO)滴度升高、补体水平降低以及近期有GAS感染史支持诊断。虽然儿童的预后一般良好,但在GAS流行地区,APSGN仍然是一个重大问题。一名22个月大的女童,既往健康,近期上呼吸道感染后出现眶周肿胀、全身水肿和茶色尿。实验室检查显示蛋白尿、血尿、ASO滴度呈反应性以及轻度贫血,而影像学检查无异常。根据临床和实验室检查结果,诊断为APSGN。她接受了呋塞米、硝苯地平和头孢曲松治疗。她的病情明显改善,2个月内血尿和蛋白尿完全消失。ASO滴度恢复正常,肾功能完全恢复。该病例表明APSGN在3岁以下儿童中罕见,并强调将其纳入幼儿肾病综合征鉴别诊断的重要性。该患者的良好预后反映了APSGN在儿科人群中总体预后良好。早期识别和治疗仍然至关重要,因为婴儿中的GAS感染虽然较少见,但仍可导致诸如APSGN等感染后并发症。