Sudden deterioration in the renal function of an African child with cyanotic congenital heart disease.

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) and deteriorating renal function are associated with congenital cyanotic heart disease (CCHD). We describe a nine-year-old African male child with CCHD, NS and deteriorating renal function. He presented with two weeks' history of progressive generalized body swelling, oliguria and orthopnea. Oliguria did not improve, and the generalized body swelling did not subside with the administration of diuretics. Dipstick urinalysis remained 3+. He was referred to a facility that offers renal replacement therapy in view of worsening renal status. This is the first description known to us of deteriorating renal function in an African and in a child with CCHD, implying that the complication can develop in children or commences in childhood.