2. Overview Glomerul/o/nephr/itis glomeruli kidney inflammation Alternative names: acute/chronic nephritis, glomerular disease Definition: Type of kidney disease in which the part of the kidneys that help filter waste and fluids from the blood is damaged. Damage to the glomeruli causes blood and protein to be lost in the urine.
3. Glomeruli Glomeruli – The filters of the kidneys which filter the blood and make urine.
4. Etiology Often, the precise cause of glomerulonephritis is unknown. Glomerulonephritis may be caused by specific problems with the body's immune system.
5. Signs/Symptoms Most common symptoms: Hematuria (dark, brown, or rusty colored,) Proteinuria Foamy urine Swelling of the face, eyes, ankle, feet, legs, abdomen
6. Signs/Symptoms Symptoms which may also appear include: Abdominal pain Cough Diarrhea Fever Joint aches Muscle aches Loss of appetite Shortness of breath
7. Risk Factors History of cancer Blood or lymphatic disorders Exposure to hydrocarbon solvents Diabetes Infections Strep infections Heart infections Viruses
8. Diagnosis Because symptoms develop gradually, the disorder may be discovered when there is an abnormal urinalysis during a routine physical or examination for unrelated disorders.
9. Tests and Clinical Procedures Imaging tests: Abdominal CT scan Abdominal ultrasound Chest x-ray Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP) Urinalysis and other urine tests: Creatinine clearance Urine concentration test Urine specific gravity Total protein
10. Treatments Treatment varies depending the type and severity of symptoms. High blood pressure may be difficult to control, and it is generally the most important aspect of treatment. Medicines that may be prescribed include: Blood pressure medications are often needed to control high blood pressure. Medications that suppress the immune system may also be prescribed, depending on the cause of the condition.
11. Prognosis Glomerulonephritis may be a temporary and reversible condition, or it may get worse. Progressive glomerulonephritis may lead to chronic kidney failure and end-stage kidney disease.
12. Case Study Patient: 12 year old girl who visited the doctor in distress. Symptoms: Has been passing rusty colored urine. Looked puffy around the face. High blood pressure. Doctor saw previous antibiotics given for streptococcal infection in her records. Doctor used test strip to test urine. Resulted in presence of protein. Blood test was arranged Blood test suggested an autoimmune response had damaged part of the kidneys nephrons. Doctor suggested she be closely watched for the time being and blood pressure monitored. Her condition fortunately cleared up after a few months.
