Acute Kidney Injury Following Plastic Bronchitis Associated with Influenza B Virus in a Child with Nephrotic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Plastic bronchitis is a rare but life-threatening disorder and is usually associated with congenital heart disease or pulmonary disease.

CASE CHARACTERISTICS: A 5-year-old boy with minimal change nephrotic syndrome who developed a relapse along with cough, fever and dyspnea.

OBSERVATION: Chest X-ray showed atelectasis of right upper lobe of lung, and nasal swab was positive for influenza B virus. His respiratory condition worsened, and required ventilation; bronchoscopy revealed bronchial casts. This was followed by acute kidney injury which was successfully managed with hemodialysis.

MESSAGE: Children with nephrotic syndrome on immunosuppressive agents can develop plastic bronchitis and acute kidney injury, following influenza virus infection.