AN EPIDEMIC OF ACUTE POSTINFECTIOUS GLOMERULONEPHRITIS IN ARMENIA

Aim-To evaluate the presentation and course of acute postinfectious gl omerulonephritis (APGN), which has increased dramatically in Armenia a fter serious deterioration in the living conditions. Study design-Obse rvational study, based on case notes, of a large homogeneous group of patients hospitalized for APGN at one centre over a five year period ( 1992-6). Patients-474 patients aged <16 years with a diagnosis of APGN . Results-The annual number of patients increased tenfold from 19 (ave rage 1992/3) to 196 in 1995. Sixty two per cent were in the age group 4-9 years and 65% were boys. Upper respiratory infections, scarlet fev er, and skin infections preceded APGN in 51%, 23%, and 13%, respective ly. All patients had haematuria (93% gross), 84% had oedema, and 72% h ad hypertension. C3 was initially decreased in 95% of the patients exa mined. Renal function was impaired (serum creatinine > 100 mu mol/l) i n 29%. Four patients with renal failure had crescentic glomerulonephri tis at biopsy; of these, three required temporary haemodialysis. Main extrarenal complications were heart failure (10%) and convulsions (3%) . One patient died and five (3%) did not recover completely. Conclusio ns-APGN in children is associated with considerable initial morbidity, and long term outcome is not uniformly benign. Outbreaks of APGN may occur anytime in countries such as Armenia that are suffering from a s udden decline in socioeconomic conditions.