1 From the Department of Pediatrics, CHUV, Lausanne; Immunology Transplant Unit, University Hospital, Geneva; and Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, Epalinges, Switzerland
The coexistence in two sisters, born to related parents, of a corticoresistant nephrotic syndrome, lymphopenia, an immune deficit, short stature, and photophobia is described. The immune deficit is mainly cellular; studies of lymphocyte markers demonstrate a pronounced deficiency of T lymphocytes and Fc-µ receptorbearing cells. It is suggested that a thorough examination of number and function of T cells should be performed in patients with a familial corticoresistant nephrotic syndrome and recurrent infectious episodes before considering immunosuppressive treatment.
Key Words: familial nephrotic syndrome familial glomerular sclerosis focal segmental glomerular sclerosis T-cell deficiency corticoresistant nephrotic syndrome
Submitted on December 18, 1981
Accepted on March 29, 1982