Tuberculosis in nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney disease: an appraisal

Tuberculosis (TB) affects man at all ages with its protean manifestations and children with renal diseases are no exception to it. Owing to altered immune status in nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney disease (CKD), TB can be a very common co-morbid condition in endemic nation like India. The onset can be very insidious and subtle mimicking the primary condition especially in CKD and the diagnosis remains a challenge. A high index of suspicion usually guides the clinician to diagnose the condition. The basic modalities of diagnosis remain same as in general population yet the results have to be interpreted in the light of primary renal condition. The article tries to envisage the diagnosis and management of TB in children with concomitant CKD and nephrotic syndrome.