Immunotactoid glomerulonephritis in a child with HIV infection : a case report

Abstract

Renal disease is a common complication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults. In children, however, HIV pathology of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts predominates, whereas renal disease is often an incidental finding. In this report, we describe a child with stage III HIV infection associated with immunotactoid glomerulonephritis (IT). The patient was referred for investigation of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome. Electron microscopy of his renal biopsy specimen revealed numerous electron-dense microtubular deposits, arranged in parallel fashion, consistent with a diagnosis of IT. He received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) as well as corticosteroids and is currently in remission. To our knowledge, this is the first report of IT in a child.