Acute renal cortical necrosis due to acquired antiprotein S antibodies

Pediatr Nephrol. 2009 Jan;24(1):207-9. doi: 10.1007/s00467-008-0967-y. Epub 2008 Sep 6.

Abstract

Although varicella is a common disease of childhood, renal complications are quite rare. We report here the interesting case of a-22 month-old boy exhibiting renal cortical necrosis related to an acquired protein S deficiency following varicella. Ten days after the vesicle eruption appearance, he presented with ecchymosed heels, oligoanuric kidney failure, anemia [hemoglobin (Hb) 78 g/L], schizocytosis (2.5%), but normal platelet count. Kidney sonography and magnetic resonance imaging evoked renal cortical necrosis. All together, these features suggested acquired protein S deficiency secondary to varicella. Strikingly, it was confirmed by a dramatic decrease in protein S plasma activity and a huge increase in immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibodies against protein S in the plasma. Anticoagulation therapy in addition with plasmapheresis and steroid pulses allowed a dramatic decrease in the antibodies against protein S and recovery of normal protein S activity. Undelayed diagnosis and treatment did not avoid kidney insufficiency but prevented life-threatening complications. In the light of this case report, protein S deficiency due to antibody inhibition should be carefully monitored anytime in the context of varicella when kidney insufficiency or necrosis occurs.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • Autoantibodies / immunology*
  • Chickenpox / complications*
  • Chickenpox / pathology
  • Enoxaparin / therapeutic use
  • Glucocorticoids / administration & dosage
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Kidney / diagnostic imaging
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney Cortex Necrosis / diagnosis*
  • Kidney Cortex Necrosis / immunology
  • Kidney Cortex Necrosis / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Plasmapheresis
  • Protein S / immunology*
  • Protein S Deficiency / diagnosis*
  • Protein S Deficiency / immunology
  • Protein S Deficiency / therapy
  • Pulse Therapy, Drug
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Anticoagulants
  • Autoantibodies
  • Enoxaparin
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Protein S