Glomerulonephritis - Symptom, Causes, Treatment of Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation of the glomeruli, the filtering units ofthe kidney. Found in the cortex (outer part) of the kidney, glomeruli are microscopic cups that filter out fluid and waste products ftom the blood that flows through the capillaries inside them. If the glomeruli become inflamed, they are unable to work efficiently, and they allow the loss of proteins fromthe blood into the urine.

Glomerulonephritis (which used to be called Bright's disease) may be acute or chronic, and can give rise to a variety of symptoms depending on the extent and rate of progressof the inflammation.

Causes of Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis can complicate certain bacterial, viral or parasitic infections, particularly streptococcal infection of the throat or upper airways in children and young adults. Antigens (proteins that stimulate antibody production) on the surface of infecting organisms cause an immune response that normally overcomes the infection. But if immune complexes (antigen-anti-body combinations) are deposited in the glomerular capillaries, glomerulonephritis develops.

This disorder may also develop in diseases such as systemic LUPUSERYfHEMATOSUS.some cancers and blood disorders. and as a reaction to certain drugs or poisons.

Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis that results from an infection develops I to 6 weeks after its onset. The rate of onset and extent of'symptoms are very variable.

About half of all patients have no symptoms, and the condition is discovered by chance when the urine is examined for some other reason. Symptoms that may occur include puffiness of the face
(especially around the eyes) that may be followed by more widespread OEDEMA (accumulation of excessive fluid in tissues). reduced urine production dark or smoky urine (due to leakage of red blood cells through the glomeruli), headache, and sometimes dull pain in the loins.

Diagnosis of Glomerulonephritis

If glomerulonephritis is suspected, the diagnosis can be confirmed by urine and blood tests; occasionally kidney biopsy is needed.

Treatment of Glomerulonephritis

Except for mild cases, admission to hospital is advised. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of kidney damage and includes rest, antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs if appropriate ORTICOSTEROID DRUGS to reduce inflammation. IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT DRUGS, and in severe cases PLASMAPHERESIS to remove harmful immune complexes from the blood Ifkidney failure develops, DLALYSIS (artificial filtering of waste products from the blood) may be necessary.

Out look of Glomerulonephritis

Most children who develop mild glomerulonephritis, after streptococcal infection recover from, it adequately. In more severe cases of glomerulonephritis' from any cause, there may be a rapid or gradual progression to KIDNEY FAILURE, and ongoing dialysis or kidney transplant will be needed.

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