Child with swelling of eyelids and face; not always due to allergy
Thomasse, Y.; van Unen, H.; van Collenburg, J.J.; van Elburg, R.M.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde 143(35): 1761-1763
1999
ISSN/ISBN: 0028-2162 PMID: 10494325 Document Number: 511567
Three boys aged 3.5, 4.5 and 2.5 years, developed puffy eyelids and a swollen face. Initially, their symptoms were attributed to allergy. However, careful history taking, physical examination and laboratory studies (urinalysis and serum albumin) showed that the presenting symptoms were the first signs of nephrotic syndrome. Specific therapy induced rapid remission of the nephrotic syndrome in all patients. In children with puffy eyelids and a swollen face, nephrotic syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Appropriate laboratory studies (urinalysis) are indicated to reach the correct diagnosis so that appropriate therapy can be initiated.