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Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of the glomeruli.

Caused by immune-mediated conditions such as post-infectious glomerulonephritis following a streptococcus or staphylococcus infection, after which the immune system attacks the glomeruli themselves.

One complication of glomeruli infection is the deposits of antibodies post-infection, which can interfere with integrity and filtration.

Glomerulonephritis has two clinical manifestations: acute and chronic.

Acute Glomerulonephritis

Signs and symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis include:

  • Oliguria due to reduced GFR.
  • Hematuria due to glomerular damage allowing blood into tubules.
  • RBC casts as RBCs adhere to glomerulus walls, indicating damage.
  • Azotemia (increased nitrogenous waste products in blood) due to impaired renal clearance.

Chronic Glomerulonephritis

Slow, irreversible glomerular destruction whose conclusion is end-stage renal disease.

Management requires:

  • Supportive interventions.
  • Dialysis.
  • Kidney transplantation.

Signs and symptoms of chronic glomerulonephritis include:

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