Abstract
Infectious complications in children with ventriculoatrial shunt are common. About one-half of these patients show alterations in the kidneys, usually degenerative changes, occasionally infectious microemboli. A newly recognized manifestation is diffuse glomerulonephritis. Recently we observed a 3 6/12-year-old boy who, 3 years after implantation of a shunt, developed severe signs of nephrotic syndrome. Blood cultures were repeatedly negative, but from the CSF of the value Staphy;pcpccus albus could be cultured. An open kidney biopsy showed severe subacute glomerulonephritis. The kidney disease improved after removal of the shunt. Immunohistochemical examination of the renal biopsy with Coons indirect method demonstrated distinct precipitates in the glomeruli, containing IgM, IgG, and complement, but no IgA. However, no bacteria could be cultivated. A few cases reported so far presented identical finding. The kidney dicase therefore seems to be caused by an immunological reaction of the body towards toxins produced by the low grade pathogens infecting the artificial surface of the shunt.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
