title: Syphilis: a reversible cause of nephrotic syndrome.
abstract: A patient in his late 30s presented with symptoms consistent with a nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy revealed membranous nephropathy. He also mentioned a spontaneous resolving 'rash' at his glans penis after unprotected intercourse. Therefore, he was tested for sexually transmitted diseases as a possible underlying cause of his nephrotic syndrome. Serology for syphilis was positive with high titres. After a single penicillin injection, there was fast and complete clinical recovery.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine/Nephrology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. ml.handoko@vumc.nl
authors: M Louis
authors: ML
authors: Handoko
authors: Marjolijn
authors: M
authors: Duijvestein
authors: Cornelis G
authors: CG
authors: Scheepstra
authors: Carola W H
authors: CW
authors: de Fijter
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015433:Glomerulonephritis, Membranous / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000209:etiology*; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013587:Syphilis / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D013588:Syphilis Serodiagnosis
chemical_list: D010406:Penicillins
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