A case of a pulmonary‐renal syndrome caused by streptococcal infection. Issue 2 (10th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shimokawa, Junki; Nagano, Hiroaki; Raita, Yoshihiko
• Is Part Of: Respirology case reports. Volume 11:Issue 2(2023)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2023-01-10
• Subjects: diffuse alveolar haemorrhage -- methylprednisolone -- post‐streptococcal glomerulonephritis -- pulmonary‐renal syndrome -- streptococcal infection; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 616.2005
• DOI: 10.1002/rcr2.1083
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2051-3380

Abstract

Abstract: Pulmonary‐renal syndrome (PRS) is defined as a combination of diffuse alveolar haemorrhage and glomerulonephritis. An 18‐year‐old woman visited our hospital with a 2‐day history of fever, dyspnoea, and leg edema. Laboratory investigations revealed an elevated inflammatory reaction, increased serum creatinine levels, and normocytic anaemia. Additionally, the anti‐streptolysin‐O titre was positive, and complement component‐3 levels were decreased. Urinalysis revealed proteinuria and hematuria. Bronchoalveolar lavage aliquots were progressively more hemorrhagic. These findings supported a diagnosis of PRS secondary to streptococcal infection. The patient was treated with high‐dose methylprednisolone and antibiotics. After 4 days of treatment, her respiratory symptoms and serum creatinine levels improved. Steroid tapering was performed over 15 days. The findings in this case indicate that streptococcal infection is a potential cause of PRS, and that short‐term steroid therapy is an effective treatment. Abstract : We report a case of a pulmonary‐renal syndrome caused by streptococcal infection. This report highlights the facts that streptococcal infection is a relatively rare cause of pulmonary‐renal syndrome, and short‐term high‐dose steroid monotherapy may be sufficient for its treatment.