Acute abdominal pain and nephrotic syndrome: pediatric case reports and review of the literature

Background Acute abdominal pain in nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a well-known clinical symptom and is mainly related to peritonitis. The presence, although rare, of red umbilicus may guide the diagnosis as a suggestive sign of peritonitis also in the non-neonatal period. Instead, the association between intussusception and NS is quite limited. We reviewed all published cases in the literature, and to our knowledge, this is one of the few pediatric cases of spontaneous resolution of intussusception in the setting of NS. Finally, a review of the causes of abdominal pain during the course of NS was made. Cases presentation We report two pediatric patient cases who complained of acute abdominal pain during a relapse episode of their NS. The first case is a 4-year-old boy with NS (fourth relapse) who presented with acute abdominal pain, ascites, and red umbilicus. Our suspect of primary peritonitis was clinically confirmed because of the subsequent appearance of the classical peritoneal signs. The second case is a 4-year-old boy who developed an ileo-ileal intussusception during the treatment of his first NS relapse, with spontaneous reduction. Conclusions Gastrointestinal disorders are frequently encountered in the course of NS. The appearance of acute abdominal pain in children with NS requires quick management, both clinical and instrumental. A multidisciplinary team approach needs to be encouraged to lead to an accurate diagnosis and a correct treatment.

Main Bacterial Peritonitis Infection Caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae

Primary peritonitis is a rare infection in healthy children, mainly affecting patients with underlying medical disorders. We report a case of primary pneumococcal peritonitis in an immunocompetent 3‑year‑old boy. The analysis and diagnosis was made at laparotomy and cultures of the intra‑abdominal pus yielded Streptococcus pneumoniae. Timely antibiotic treatment administered resulted in complete resolution of the infection.

Group A Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome after a Routine Gynecological Procedure

Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) is a life-threatening illness mainly caused by invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infection. Herein, we report a case of a postmenopausal woman who developed STSS from an ascending vaginal GAS infection after cytocervical sampling. The patient complained of vaginal discharge, for which she underwent gynecological examination with vaginal sampling. The following day, there was onset of diarrhea and vomiting. After 7 days, she was admitted to our hospital with septic shock. Necrotizing enterocolitis was suspected and surgical intervention was performed; however, the patient was diagnosed with primary peritonitis and antibiotics were initiated. On day 2, GAS was suspected by blood cultures, and antibiotics were changed in consideration of STSS. On day 4, GAS was confirmed in blood, ascitic fluid, and vaginal swab specimens, and STSS caused by an ascending vaginal GAS infection was diagnosed. This case report indicates that STSS could occur following cytocervical sampling for vaginal discharge. If a woman has unexplained septic shock, especially with gastroenteritis symptoms, STSS should be considered as a differential diagnosis.

A67 DELAYED PRESENTATION AND SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF PRIMARY PNEUMOCOCCAL PERITONITIS

Background S. pneumoniae intraabdominal infections are rare in healthy individuals, but the literature reveals a female dominance for primary peritonitis in the early post-partum period. Limited studies exist evaluating the timing of surgical management. Aims We present a case of primary pneumococcal peritonitis in which the presentation and surgical intervention was delayed. Methods A case chart review and literature review was conducted. Results A 41-year-old female with a spontaneous vaginal delivery 4 months prior presented with progressive abdominal pain, distention, and emesis over 10 days. She was septic with a firm, distended abdomen and rebound tenderness. A CT revealed significant panenteritis and ascites. She received intravenous fluids and was empirically started on ceftriaxone, vancomycin and metronidazole. The gastrointestinal virus panel, stool cultures and C. difficile toxin were negative. However, her blood cultures revealed Strep. pneumoniae and the purulent peritoneal fluid contained gram-positive cocci. Despite sensitivity to ceftriaxone, and several paracenteses, her ascites, pain and new fever continued. Twenty-eight days after admission, she underwent a laparoscopic abdominal lysis of adhesions and drainage of three intraabdominal abscess collections. Cultures of the purulent peritoneal fluid were negative. She was stepped down to amoxicillin-clavulanate and discharged six weeks after symptom onset. Despite the development of pneumococcal vaccines, worldwide S. pneumoniae is a common pathogen with high morbidity and mortality. It is a rare cause of intraabdominal infections; however, primary peritonitis has been widely recognized in children. Prior to antibiotics, the mortality of pneumococcal peritonitis was 31.5–100%. Secondary pneumococcal peritonitis is established in adult patients with cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome and immunocompromised conditions. In healthy individuals, pneumococcal peritonitis often mimics appendicitis and is diagnosed with positive blood cultures. The majority of primary pneumococcal peritonitis cases occur in females, are associated with the early post-partum period (less than two months), IUD placement, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Theories of pathogenesis include direct hematogenous spread or translocation. Transient colonization of the genital tract after IUD placement or during the post-partum period may allow for ascension from the fallopian tubes into the peritoneum. The majority of cases undergo surgery within one week of symptom onset. While it has not been studied in randomized trials, early surgical intervention for source control may decrease morbidity and hospital stay. Conclusions Primary pneumococcal peritonitis has a female predominance and can occur later in the post-partum period than previously reported. Surgery should be considered early to achieve source control and improve patient outcomes. Funding Agencies None

Case Report: Primary Peritonitis as the Onset of Pediatric Ménétrier's Disease

Introduction: Primary peritonitis (PP) and Ménétrier's Disease (MD) are both rare conditions among pediatric population. Although about 150 MD cases have been described in the scientific literature to date, its onset with a PP is an unusual condition.Case Presentation: We present a case of an 11-year-old boy who was admitted to our unit because of abdominal pain and distension. Complementary tests showed ascites, bilateral pleural effusion, leukocytosis, increased acute phase reactants and hypoproteinemia with hypoalbuminemia. Laparoscopy ruled out appendicitis or visceral perforations and exposed purulent peritoneal fluid, compatible with PP. Biochemical stool analysis showed increased clearance of alpha-1-antitrypsin, which was consistent with a protein-losing enteropathy. Gastroscopy findings were compatible with MD. The clinical course was favorable and he had no recurrence after 12 months of follow-up.Conclusion: PP can be the first clinical manifestation of pediatric MD. Knowledge of MD and its generally benign nature in children is important in order to avoid excessive testing and unnecessary treatment.