A renal disease characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli, or small blood vessels in the kidneys. Also known as glomerular nephritis. Adj. glomerulonephritic.
A type of kidney disease. The chronic form of leads to impaired kidney function and eventual need for dialysis or transplantation.
A disease characterized by inflammation of the nephrons of the kidney. Glomerulonephritis occurs most often one to two weeks after a streptococcal throat or skin infection and generally affects children.
Disease of the glomerulus of the kidney characterized by decreased production of urine, the presence of protein and blood m the urine, and edema; the cause is unknown, but it sometimes follows an acute upper respiratory infection, perhaps as an allergic reaction to the infective organism (e.g., streptococcal).
An inflammatory disease of the kidney typically occurring one to two weeks after a streptococcal bacterial infection; symptoms include hematuria and proteinuria.
Inflammation of the tiny glomeruli (arterial capillaries) of the kidneys, which pass water and dissolved chemicals from blood into the renal tubules for filtration of wastes. The condition interferes with normal kidney function.
The group of kidney diseases characterized by inflammation and sometimes gradual and progressive destruction of the glomeruli (the filtering units of the kidneys). The damaged structures within the kidney may result in excessive leakage of protein into the urine and may affect the capacity of the kidneys to filter toxic waste products, water, and salt.
A disease of the kidneys resulting in the syndrome of acute nephritis the passage of blood in the urine and occasionally fluid retention and swelling. The exact cause of acute glomerulonephritis is obscure, but in most cases it is thought to represent an abnormal allergic response following a streptococcal sore throat. The acute form of the disease usually settles completely, with rapid return to normal kidney function. Occasionally, it progresses to chronic glomerulonephritis and kidney failure, sometimes via the nephrotic syndrome.
A form of nephritis in which the lesions involve primarily the glomeruli. It may be acute, subacute, or chronic. Acute glomerulonephritis, also known as acute nephritic syndrome, frequently follows infections, especially those of the upper respiratory tract caused by particular strains of streptococci. It may also be caused by systemic lupus erythematosus, subacute bacterial endocarditis, cryoglobulinemia, various forms of vasculitis including polyarteritis nodosa, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, and visceral abscess. The condition is characterized by the presence of blood in the urine (hematuria), protein in the urine (proteinuria), and red cell casts; oliguria, edema, pruritus, nausea, constipation, and hypertension. Investigation of serum complement levels and renal biopsy facilitates diagnosis and helps to establish the prognosis.
A renal condition characterized by inflammation, scarring, and diminished functionality of the kidneys in filtering waste products from the bloodstream.
This refers to the inflammation of the filtration mechanisms in both kidneys. When the glomeruli are damaged, they struggle to effectively eliminate waste, salt, and water from the bloodstream, potentially leading to severe complications. This disease is prevalent globally, and in regions such as the US and Europe, it ranks among the top causes of chronic kidney failure.
Certain forms of glomerulonephritis result from the immune system creating antibodies to remove microorganisms, typically infectious bacteria like those responsible for strep throat infections. These antibodies mix with bacterial antigens to generate structures known as immune complexes. As these particles circulate in the bloodstream, they can become lodged in the glomeruli, sparking inflammation that may impair the glomeruli and obstruct their normal functioning.
Glomerulonephritis can also develop in the presence of specific autoimmune diseases, like systemic lupus erythematosus. In tropical regions, infectious illnesses such as malaria and schistosomiasis are identified as causes.
In its mild form, glomerulonephritis might not present any symptoms and could only be identified during standard urine tests. Conversely, the disease could go unnoticed until kidney damage has significantly progressed, and the buildup of waste products starts to generate symptoms.
In some individuals, symptoms may manifest abruptly. They might feel a dull pain over the kidney area. The urine could turn bloody as damaged glomeruli allow red blood cells to leak into it. Protein may also be lost into the urine, leading to swelling or edema, which is a common symptom in children affected by this condition. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a potential serious complication. Persistent glomerulonephritis is frequently a leading cause of chronic kidney failure.
The process of diagnosing this condition typically includes kidney function tests, urinalysis – which involves microscopic and chemical examination of the urine, and in most scenarios, a kidney biopsy, where a tiny tissue sample is removed for microscopic evaluation.
Treatment for glomerulonephritis typically requires hospital care and is dependent on the cause and seriousness of the disease. Children with nephrotic syndrome usually show improvement with corticosteroid medications. If glomerulonephritis is caused by a streptococcal infection, it often resolves after the infection has been effectively treated with antibiotics.
Adults typically have a less favorable response to treatment, but it’s sometimes possible to prevent or postpone kidney failure. Medications may be used to manage hypertension, and a specialized diet may be recommended to lessen the strain on the kidneys. Temporary dialysis might be needed to assist in eliminating waste products from the blood, and diuretic medications might be administered to address any swelling or edema.
In some cases, individuals with severe glomerulonephritis react positively to treatment with immunosuppressant medications, which decrease the activity of the immune system. Others might undergo a procedure known as plasmapheresis, which removes immune complexes and other detrimental substances from the bloodstream.
A form of kidney inflammation specifically affecting the glomeruli within the kidney.