Glomerulonephritis

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

  • Is nephritic syndrome present?
    • Severe acute inflammation injury to glomerulus
    • Decreased renal function
    • Hematuria with RBC casts
    • Proteinuria 1-2 g/24 hr
    • Hypertension
    • Pyuria
    • Fluid retention
  • Is rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) present?
    • Nephritic syndrome AND
    • Doubling of creatinine in < 3 months AND
    • Glomerular crescents on renal biopsy
    • If untreated, progresses to ESRD in weeks to months
    • This is a medical emergency!
  • Is nephrotic syndrome present?
    • Due to increase in glomerular permeability
    • There is SEVERE glomerular injury; not unusual to present w/ decrease in renal function early in disease.
    • >3.5 mg protein/24 hrs
    • Decreased albumin, edema and hypercholesterolemia
  • Are there signs & symptoms of acute renal failure requiring dialysis (see Acute Kidney Injury)?

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Last updated: May 5, 2010