Korean J Med.  2002 Mar;62(3):302-306.

Two cases of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in adults with nephrotic syndrome

• Kim JH
• Kim EJ
• Park W

Abstract

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is one of the important complication of childhood nephrotic syndrome which occurs not infrequently but this complication in adults with nephrotic syndrome is ,however, very rare. The fact that ascites formation is more frequently seen in childhood nephrotic syndrome and that minimal change disease, the commonest pathology found in childhood is associated with impairment in both cellular and humoral immunities may be an explanation for the discrepancy. We have experienced two cases of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis complicated in adults with nephrotic syndrome. The age of patients is 23 and 68 years respectively. The serum IgG level of younger patient is markedly decreased (375 mg/dL) and that of elderly patient is lower normal limit (765 mg/dL). Peritonitis was complicated during relapse in the younger patient. Both of the patients were receiving steroid therapy before complicated by peritonitis. Both patients recovered from peritonitis by antibiotic therapy but, elderly patient died from nosocomial pneumonia.

Keyword

Nephrotic Syndrome; Adult; Peritonitis; Bacterial; Spontaneous

MeSH Terms

Adult*
Aged
Ascites
Humans
Immunoglobulin G
Nephrosis, Lipoid
Nephrotic Syndrome*
Pathology
Peritonitis*
Pneumonia
Recurrence
Immunoglobulin G