COVID-19 Pandemic Alters Epidemiology of Post-infectious Glomerulonephritis in Children

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital in Saudi Arabia has found that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the epidemiology of post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) in children. The study, published in Pediatric Nephrology, compared the clinical presentations and outcomes of childhood PIGN before and during the pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incidence of PIGN in children decreased during the early COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022), followed by a resurgence of cases with an altered seasonality pattern.
  • Children with PIGN who presented during the pandemic were younger and had milder disease severity, particularly regarding the rate of oliguria and the severity of proteinuria.
  • A lower median C3 level was found in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic cohort.
  • More patients with high anti-streptolysin O antibody levels were noted before the pandemic, while more cases had positive GAS throat cultures during the pandemic.

Statistics:

  • 141 patients were enrolled in the study.
  • Children with PIGN who presented during the pandemic were, on average, 5.6 years younger.
  • The rate of oliguria decreased by 23.1% during the pandemic.
  • The severity of proteinuria decreased by 17.6% during the pandemic.
  • The median C3 level in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic cohort was 96.2 mg/dL, compared to 88.5 mg/dL in the post-COVID-19 pandemic cohort.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz Hospital Reports Findings in COVID-19 (Post-infectious glomerulonephritis among children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic). Pediatrics Week. June 21, 2025.