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Thrombotic complications in childhood-onset idiopathic membranous nephropathy

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Abstract

While the most common clinical feature of nephrotic syndrome is generalized edema, patients are at risk of developing other problems, such as bacterial infections, electrolyte abnormalities, and venous thromboses. Adults with membranous nephropathy appear to be at the greatest risk for developing thromboses, especially renal vein thrombosis. However, the same is not true for children with membranous nephropathy. A review of pediatric membranous nephropathy stated that renal vein thrombosis is unrecorded in childhood-onset membranous nephropathy. We present our experience in managing two children with idiopathic membranous nephropathy who developed venous thromboses. To our knowledge, this is the first report of pediatric patients with membranous nephropathy to develop a thromboembolic complication without evidence of predisposing factors or coagulation abnormalities. This report emphasizes the need for appropriate evaluation of patients with membranous nephropathy who develop signs and symptoms suggestive of arterial or venous occlusion in order to avoid missing this potentially life-threatening medical complication.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA

    Chrystal U. Louis

  2. Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA

    Bruce Z. Morgenstern

  3. Section of Pediatric Nephrology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis Medical Center, 2516 Stockton Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA

    Lavjay Butani

Authors
  1. Chrystal U. Louis
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  2. Bruce Z. Morgenstern
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  3. Lavjay Butani
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Correspondence to Lavjay Butani.

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Louis, C.U., Morgenstern, B.Z. & Butani, L. Thrombotic complications in childhood-onset idiopathic membranous nephropathy. Pediatr Nephrol 18, 1298–1300 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-003-1320-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00467-003-1320-0

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