Full House Nephropathy Without Serologic Markers: A Case Report

Abstract

Full-house immunofluorescence pattern is most commonly a presentation of Lupus Nephritis. In the absence of characteristic serologic markers, determines a rare diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

A fourteen-year-old female adolescent with sickle cell disease presented with nephrotic syndrome, pneumonia, empyema and arterial hypertension. The histopathology examination of kidney biopsy revealed a proliferative glomerulonephritis with a full-house pattern. Autoantibodies were negative, no complement consumption was detected and direct Coombs’ test was unremarkable. Other possible etiologies were ruled out. Remission was achieved with high dose corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil.  All other Systemic Lupus Erythematosus clinical and laboratory criteria remained negative during the follow-up.

This case report aims to contribute to the awareness of a rare clinical entity, emphasizing the necessity of a correct treatment and a regular long-term follow-up.