Congenital nephrotic syndrome as a complication of whooping cough: a case report

Abstract

Bordetella organisms are responsible for whooping cough, which is an extremely contagious respiratory illness with substantial morbidity in infants. It is also considered one of the 10 predominant reasons for childhood decease globally, particularly before vaccination was available. Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) presents within the first 3 months of life. It is classified as primary or as secondary to other etiologies, such as infections, drug reactions, toxins, mercury exposure, diabetes mellitus and autoimmune diseases. This article describes the rare presentation of CNS as an outcome to Bordetella infection. That is treating pertussis resulted in CNS to resolve, so it was classified as secondary. This case is the first documented in Syria and the second worldwide.