[The role of immediate-type allergic reactions in the pathogenesis of the nephrotic syndrome].

The study was made of 52 patients with various morphological forms of glomerulonephritis and history of allergy versus 22 healthy subjects. Mean age of the patients was 28.5 +/- 7.2 years. High IgE levels occurred in 37 cases (71.1%). Most of the patients had lipoid nephrosis. Normal levels of IgE were more frequently associated with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome characterized by a progressive decline of renal function and severe damage to the glomeruli. A correlation existed between high IgE level and activation of antistreptococcal immunity. Two cases are reported of nephrotic syndrome onset following immediate allergic reaction to food allergen (1 case) and insect sting (1 case).