Kidney Damage during Sharp’s Syndrome: About Two Cases

Abstract

Context: The coexistence in the same patient of a mixed connectivitis or Sharp’s syndrome is a rare eventuality. Objective: To underline the presence of this mixed connectivitis in our practice, whose prevalence remains unknown, particularly in Africa and more precisely in Mali. Case Presentations: We report two cases of Sharp’s syndrome in a 48-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman with impaired renal function. The picture achieved associated massive proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, moderate renal failure and edematous syndrome in men. In women, the picture was associated with accelerated to malignant hypertension and severe renal failure. There were no osteoarticular manifestations and the diagnosis of Sharp’s syndrome was based on the presence of high levels of antibodies to U1RNP. Therapeutic management has been that of predominantly associated connective tissue disease (systemic lupus erythematosus). Conclusion: Mixed connectivitis or Sharp’s syndrome is increasingly recognized as a separate entity thanks to advances in molecular biology. Its prevalence is low in sub-Saharan African countries with renal disease that manifests itself as proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome associated with microscopic hematuria, renal failure, and hypertension. This renal impairment is more likely to occur in severe forms of the disease.