Question

Two weeks after recovering from a sore throat, Sara, a five year-old, was brought to her pediatrician by her parents. Sara had a fever, headache and had vomited several times. Her parents mentioned that during the previous week, she had not eaten well and was much less energetic than usual. Examination revealed the following: soft tissues were somewhat swollen (edema), her urine contained blood and protein and it had a high specific gravity.

Please respond to each of the following in your reply:

1. What kidney condition does Sara probably have?

2. Explain the cause of her hematuria and proteinuria.

3. The doctor prescribed penicillin and a diet with low salt content. What is the reason for each of these?

4. How good are Sara's chances for complete recovery?

Answer 1

1. She is suffering from Post streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PGSN). It is rapid deterioration of kidney function because of the inflammatory process occuring due to infection by streptococcal species(nephrogenic streptococci).

2. Hematuria and proteinuria is due to the improper filteration process (due to inflammation) taking place in the filtering unit.

3. A diet with low salt content is advised for the better treatment of edema(incresed salt content will lead to edema due to improper filtration) and penicillin is prescribed to eradicate bacteria. As the organism is streptococci (bacteria) and best way of treatment is suitable antibiotic(penicillin) that will destroy streptococcal organisms in blood.

4. Complete recovery can be achieved within weeks and chances of related complications are less especially in children. In case of Sara chances of complete recovery is high