Serious infections due to penicillin-resistant Streptococcus peneumoniae in two children with nephrotic syndrome.

Children with nephrotic syndrome are susceptible to the development of invasive bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Streptococcus peneumoniae. Recently, penicillin-resistant pneumococcal infections in children have occurred in increased frequency in some regions. We have seen two children with nephrotic syndrome who developed penicillin-resistant pneumococcal bacteremia and/or peritonitis. A change in the initial therapy from penicillin in the usual dose in these patients must be considered.