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.
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.
