Comparative Analysis of some Haematological Indices in Children with Primary Nephrotic Syndrome and Acute Glomerulonephritis.

Abstract

Summary

Background: Anaemia occurs in both acute glomerulonephritis (AGN) and nephrotic syndrome (NS). However, the influence of these two renal disorders on other haematologi cal profiles has not been widely and exhaustively studied in Nigerian children.

Objectives: To determine and compare haematological changes that occur in the acute phases of AGN and NS. .

Materials and Methods: The haematological profiles of all children admitted to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital with a diagnosis of AGN or NS between 1996 and 2004 were compiled. Those excluded from the study were children with NS who had a relapse or had commenced steroid or cytotoxic therapy before admission; others excluded were those with either disease, who had received blood transfusion during the three months immediately prior to the study.

Results: Twenty nine and 28 children with AGN and NS respectively, met the study criteria. The mean packed cell volume (PCV) in children with AGN was 28+5 percent, while that  among children with NS was 34+6 percent. Moderate anaemia occurred in 10 (34 percent).  Children with AGN compared to three (11 percent) with NS. Neutrophilia was present in 45 percent and 54 percent respectively, of children with AGN and NS. Eosinophilia occurred in three (10.3 percent) children with AGN compared to three (10.7 percent) children with NS, and lymphocytosis was present in 11(37.9 percent) children with AGN compared to 12 (42.9 percent) children with NS.

Conclusion: Severe anaemia was uncommon in the two groups, while children with AGN had lower mean PCV and were more prone to developing moderate anaemia compared to children with NS. Lymphocytosis, lymphopenia and neutrophilia occurred in some children with both conditions. 

Keywords: Acute glomerulonephritis; nephrotic syndrome; haematology, children