Association of Hepatitis B (HBs) Antigenaemia and Membranous Glomerulonephritis in Zimbabwean Children

Abstract

Zimbabwean children (8) are discussed in whom the nephrotic syndrome (NS) was a manifestation of membranous glomerulonephritis (GN) which was associated in every case with hepatitis B antigenemia. This marks the 1st occasion that such an association has been reported in African children, although it has been thoroughly documented in children in Europe, the Far East and America. Microhematuria, hypertension and mild to moderate renal insufficiency were frequent early associated findings, and every child exhibited hypocomplementemia and a markedly diminished IgG level. The disease followed a benign course in the majority, and only 1 child died in renal failure.