BILHARZIASIS AS CAUSE OF HEMATURIA AND PR OTEINURIA IN CHILDHOOD

Haematuria and proteinuria are important symptoms of primary and secon dary nephropathies. We report three african children presenting to our center in whom infection with S. haematobium resulted in haematuria a nd proteinuria. The third patient concomitantly suffered from steroid- sensitive relapsing nephrotic syndrome with the histological features of focal and segmental glomerulosclerosis. The diagnosis was in all ca ses established by light microscopy and urinary symptoms improved afte r treatment with praziquantel. In the third patients long term remissi on of the nephrotic syndrome could be maintained after 4 doses of praz iquantel for recurrent bladder symptoms. We conclude that bilharziosis must be considered in the differential diagnosis of children with hae maturia and proteinuria even in Europe. The diagnosis can be establish ed easily by light microscopy and an effective and low-risk treatment (with Praziquantel) can be offered.