Post-Infectious Glomerulonephritis With Crescents in an Elderly Diabetic Patient: Good Prognosis

Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) is an injury to glomerules mediated by the immune response after infection, and it is commonly seen in children. However, the elderly with immunocompromised conditions are at higher risk of developing PIGN after a recent infection. A 74-year-old female presented to the ER with a history of severe, sharp, on and off left flank pain for two days. Initial laboratory results workup were suggestive of acute kidney injury with no obvious reason. Dialysis was required as the renal function was deteriorating. Serologic test was negative for ANA (anti-neutrophil antibodies), C-ANCA (anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies), and P-ANCA (perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies). C3 level was low, and anti-streptolysin O titer was high. Renal biopsy was performed. With reference to the clinical and histological examination, she was diagnosed with PIGN and diabetic nephropathy. After six months, the renal function was improving gradually until hemodialysis was stopped, and the Permcath (Medtronic) was removed with a creatinine level of 120 µmol/L. The elderly diabetic female developed PIGN with crescents that required dialysis, and dialysis was stopped after six months with good prognosis. Since PIGN is a very rare entity, the suspicion of PIGN in the elderly with acute kidney injury should be raised after a history of upper respiratory tract or skin infection.