Incidence and Characteristics of Infections in Children with Nephrotic Syndrome at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a chronic kidney disorder commonly diagnosed in children, marked by proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) constitutes most pediatric cases, mainly minimal change disease (MCD). Children with NS are highly prone to infections due to immunosuppressive treatments, urinary immunoglobulin loss, and compromised immune function. Common infections include pneumonia, UTIs, peritonitis, and sepsis, with infection rates in Bangladesh and India ranging from 38% to 83%. Infections can trigger relapses, steroid resistance, and hospitalizations, complicating disease management and increasing mortality, especially in developing countries. Aim of the study: This study aims to evaluate the hematological and biochemical parameters associated with infections in children with nephrotic syndrome and to identify the causative organisms. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Paediatrics, Medical College for Woman and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, between March 2011 to September 2011, to assess infection patterns in pediatric nephrotic syndrome patients. Sixty-five children aged 2-12 years, meeting ISKDC criteria, were purposively sampled, excluding those with renal failure or urogenital anomalies. Result: A total of 65 participants were included, with a mean age of 4.86±2.74 years. Most (64.62%) were aged 2-5 years, and 60% were female. Rural residents constituted 61.54%, and 64.62% belonged to the middle socio-economic class. Initial attacks accounted for 67.69% of admissions. Infections were absent in 55.38%; urinary tract infection was the most common (18.46%), followed by peritonitis (13.85%). Neutrophil levels were higher in infected children (82.76%). Escherichia coli was the most common pathogen (34.48%). Laboratory parameters, including WBC, ESR, and cholesterol levels, showed no significant differences between infection and non-infection groups. Conclusion: Infections are a major complication in pediatric nephrotic syndrome, with urinary tract infections most common. Children aged 2-5 years were most affected, and elevated neutrophil levels correlated with infection. Escherichia coli was predominant, emphasizing targeted microbiological surveillance and proactive infection prevention to reduce morbidity and hospitalization rates.