Acute Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis in Children – A Review

Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is characterized by abrupt onset of hematuria, edema, hypertension, oliguria and impaired renal function following streptococcal group A â hemolytic streptococcal throat and skin infection. There is a declining incidence of APSGN worldwide, particularly in industrialized nations because of easier and earlier access to competent medical treatment of streptococcal infections and the widespread use of fluorination of water since virulence factors in streptococcus pyogens are reduced with fluoride exposure. But in the underdeveloped world, global burden of APSGN continues to be significant with lower estimate of 9.3 to 9.8 cases per 1,00,000 population per year to higher estimates as high as three times these values. Furthermore, clusters of cases are more frequently reported in poor communities in industrialized countries while epidemics of more than 100 cases are reported in the middle ranger countries with mean annual health expenditure per capita of about 550 US dollars. APSGN typically follows 1to2 weeks after pharyngeal infection and 2 to 4 weeks afte