Pediatric Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis: Clinical Case Report


A Pediatric Clinical Case Study

Pediatric Post-Streptococcal Acute Glomerulonephritis Complicated by Acute Renal Failure

1. Patient Information

  • Age: 8 years
  • Sex: Male
  • Date of Admission: 31 October 2007
  • Date of Discharge: 9 November 2007
  • Final Diagnosis: Post-streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis complicated by acute renal failure

2. Chief Complaints

The patient presented with:

  • Facial and eyelid puffiness for 3 days
  • Brown-colored urine
  • Decreased urine output (oliguria)

3. History of Present Illness

An 8-year-old male child presented with a 3-day history of facial and periorbital puffiness. The parents also reported brown-colored urine associated with a significant reduction in urine output.

There was no reported history of jaundice, fever, lethargy, irritability, or seizures. There was no previous history of similar episodes.

4. Physical Examination

At admission:

  • Heart rate: 76 beats/min
  • Respiratory rate: 28 breaths/min
  • Blood pressure: 108/80 mmHg
  • General examination: Facial and periorbital puffiness with pretibial edema
  • Abdominal examination: Liver just palpable
  • Other systemic examination: No significant abnormality detected

During hospitalization, the patient developed significant hypertension, with blood pressure reaching a maximum of approximately 160/100 mmHg.

5. Investigations

Hematological Investigations

  • Hemoglobin: 12.4 g/dL
  • Total leukocyte count: 7,800/mm³
  • ESR: 8 mm/hr

Urinalysis

Urinalysis demonstrated:

  • Proteinuria: +++
  • Numerous red blood cells
  • Pus cells

Serological Investigations

  • Antistreptolysin O (ASO) titre: Positive
  • C-reactive protein (CRP): Positive

These findings supported a recent streptococcal infection.

Renal Function Tests

  • Serum urea at admission: 93 mg/dL
  • Peak serum urea: 115 mg/dL on 1 November 2007
  • Serum creatinine: approximately 1.4–1.5 mg/dL during the first week

Other Investigations

  • Chest X-ray
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG)
  • Ultrasonography (USG)

These investigations were performed as part of the initial evaluation and monitoring.

6. Diagnosis

Based on the clinical presentation, urinalysis, positive ASO titre, renal function abnormalities, edema, oliguria, and hypertension, the patient was diagnosed with:

Post-streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis (PSAGN) complicated by acute renal failure.

7. Management

Management was directed toward controlling fluid overload, edema, hypertension, and the underlying streptococcal infection.

Dietary Management

  • Low-salt diet
  • Low-protein diet
  • High-carbohydrate diet

Fluid Management

Strict monitoring of fluid intake and urine output was maintained, with fluid management adjusted according to the patient's clinical status and losses.

Pharmacological Management

Diuretics:

  • Frusemide (Lasix) was administered for management of edema and fluid overload.

Antihypertensive therapy:

  • Nifedipine: 5 mg, administered as prescribed (TID/BD)
  • Atenolol: 25 mg once daily

Antibiotic therapy:

  • Penicillin: 4 lakh units intramuscularly for 5 days

8. Activity

The patient was advised bed rest during the acute phase of illness. Heavy physical activity was avoided during follow-up.

9. Clinical Course

The patient showed progressive clinical improvement during hospitalization, with improvement in edema and overall clinical status.

He was discharged on 9 November 2007 in stable condition, with a body weight of 19.7 kg.

10. Follow-Up

Follow-Up on 19 November 2007

The patient continued to show clinical improvement. His weight was recorded as 19.75 kg.

Follow-Up on 23 November 2007

The patient was clinically well. His weight was 19.9 kg, and blood pressure had decreased to 88/58 mmHg.

Urinalysis continued to show:

  • Slightly brown-colored urine
  • Numerous RBCs
  • Protein: +

Renal function showed improvement:

  • Serum urea: 32 mg/dL
  • Serum creatinine: 1.2 mg/dL

The patient was advised to continue adequate rest and avoid heavy physical exercise.

11. Outcome

The patient demonstrated clinical and biochemical improvement following conservative management of post-streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis with acute renal impairment.

Renal parameters improved substantially during follow-up, with serum urea decreasing from a peak of 115 mg/dL to 32 mg/dL and serum creatinine decreasing to 1.2 mg/dL.

12. Clinical Summary

This case represents a pediatric presentation of post-streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis characterized by periorbital and peripheral edema, oliguria, brown-colored urine, proteinuria, hematuria, hypertension, and impaired renal function. Positive ASO serology supported a recent streptococcal infection. The patient responded to fluid and dietary restriction, diuretic and antihypertensive therapy, and antibiotic treatment, with subsequent improvement in renal function and clinical status.

 

References

  1. VanDeVoorde RG. Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Pediatr Rev. 2015;36(1):3–13. — USA

  2. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Glomerulonephritis: Paediatric Renal Unit Guideline. — UK

  3. Meena J, et al. AsPNA Clinical Practice Guidelines for the management of infection-related glomerulonephritis. Pediatr Nephrol. 2026;41(6):1867–1881. — India/Asia

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is strictly for educational, study, and exam-preparation purposes. It does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for clinical decisions.

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