Immune complex glomerulonephritis associated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: response to corticosteroid therapy.

Immune complex glomerulonephritis developed in a patient with high-grade Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Renal function declined steadily despite treatment with a prolonged course of bactericidal antimicrobial agents and apparent cure of the staphylococcal infection. Following initiation of corticosteroid therapy, renal function improved dramatically. Judicious use of corticosteroids should be considered in patients with persistent renal dysfunction secondary to infection-associated immune complex glomerulonephritis.