Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome After Apitoxin Therapy : A Case Report

Korean Journal of Nephrology 2007;26(6):736-739.

Jong O Kim, M.D.1, Byung Chul Shin, M.D.2, Hyun Lee Kim, M.D.1 and Jong Hoon Chung, M.D.1

Department of1 Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine Department of2 Internal Medicine, Seonam University College of Medicine

증례 : Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome After Apitoxin Therapy : A Case Report

Jong O Kim, M.D.1, Byung Chul Shin, M.D.2, Hyun Lee Kim, M.D.1 and Jong Hoon Chung, M.D.1

Department of1 Internal Medicine, Chosun University College of Medicine Department of2 Internal Medicine, Seonam University College of Medicine

Abstract

Bee stings have previously been implicated in the development of nephrotic syndrome, but the reported cases in the literature are rare. Furthermore, there has been no case of nephrotic syndrome after bee venom (apitoxin) therapy. We experienced a 28-year-old female who developed generalized edema 6 days after an intramuscular injection of apitoxin. The physical examination and laboratory findings were relevant with nephrotic syndrome and the renal biopsy revealed minimal change nephrotic syndrome. The corticosteroid treatment induced prompt remission with resolution of edema and normalization of the laboratory findings. There was no relapse of the disease during the 6-month follow-up. We report this case together with brief review of literatures.

Key Words: Minimal change nephrotic syndrome, Apitoxin, Corticosteroids