Steroid-responsive nephrotic syndrome in a child with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Renal disease is rare in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, although a number of associated nephropathies have been described, including mesangial glomerulonephritis. We report the presence of mesangial glomerulonephritis, revealed by a nephrotic syndrome, in a paediatric patient with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Short-term steroid treatment induced a rapid remission of the nephrotic syndrome, but the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies, 1:320 in a homogeneous pattern, irregular deposits of C1q in a renal biopsy, and a mother with episodes of cutaneous lupus suggested an uncertain renal evolution for this infant.