A Case of Severe Influenza Infection in a Child with Nephrotic Syndrome on Steroid Therapy.

, Jung, Su Jin; , Park, Sung Eun; , Lee, Jun Ho

doi:2014.18.1.47

Child Kidney Dis > Volume 18(1); 2014 > Article

Case Report

J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2014;18(1): 47-50. doi: https://doi.org/10.3339/jkspn.2014.18.1.47

A Case of Severe Influenza Infection in a Child with Nephrotic Syndrome on Steroid Therapy.

Jung, Su Jin , Park, Sung Eun , Lee, Jun Ho

Department of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Korea. naesusana@yahoo.co.kr

ABSTRACT

Infection is the most important cause of death in children with nephrotic syndrome. Influenza viral infections can be fatal for these children, given the annual outbreak of this virus, with the mortality rate being similar to that of respiratory syncytial virus in healthy children. Pneumonia is recognized as the most important complication of influenza infections, as it is associated with high death rates. However, the influenza vaccine, as well as antiviral agents, can be used for prevention and treatment. Therefore, aggressive management with influenza vaccination and antiviral agents will lower the overall mortality rate in children with nephrotic syndrome. Here we report the case of a 7-year-old boy with nephrotic syndrome and influenza A virus (H1N1) pneumonia.

Key words: Influenza A virus | Nephrotic syndrome | Child