One Disease, Two Approaches. Acute Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis – A Case Report of Two Young Patients

Abstract

Objective: Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN) is the most studied immune-mediated glomerulonephritis, being caused by streptococcal infections such as pharyngotonsillitis or skin infections (impetigo, erysipelas). Globally it is the main form of glomerular suffering among pediatric patients, especially between the ages of 3 and 15, but in the developed countries, the incidence of this condition has decreased significantly in the last decades. The majority of the medical literature indicates that the treatment in such a disease is symptomatic (the major goal being controlling of the edema and hypertension) associated with antibiotics for streptococcal infection. Due to some situations where antibiotic treatment cannot be administered, this case report hypothesized that homeopathy is a possible alternative treatment method for conventional therapy. We presented two cases diagnosed with APSGN: a nine-year-old boy treated homeopathically at home and a three-year-old girl treated conventionally during hospitalization. Analyzing the two cases, we observed that the patients were cured regardless of the therapeutic method approached. This aspect has an advantage in situations where there are limitations in the administration of allopathic treatment. According to homeopathic understanding, the success rate is higher when there are clear homeopathic symptoms for choosing the right remedy. Many more cases and much more research is needed to conclude that classical homeopathy can be a treatment option for this pathology. In conclusion, it is important to find a personalized therapy (allopathy or homeopathy) for each patient that will bring the maximum benefit, depending on the particularity of the case