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Glomerulonephritis

Glomerulonephritis
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Glomerulonephritis occurs when the glomeruli in the kidneys are inflamed. The glomeruli act as a filter to separate wastes and extra fluid from the blood. When they become inflamed, the kidney cannot properly filter the blood, causing hematuria (blood in the urine) and proteinuria (excess levels of protein in the urine). Sometimes, waste products can also build up in the blood. Severe or long-term inflammation of the glomeruli leads to chronic kidney disease.

In addition to hematuria and proteinuria, the symptoms of glomerulonephritis include:

  • Hypoalbuminemia (abnormally low levels of protein in the blood)
  • Edema (swelling of the hands, feet, abdomen or face caused by excess fluid in the body)
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Fatigue

Glomerulonephritis can occur as a direct result of an infection such as:

  • Streptococcal infection. Sometimes glomerulonephritis can occur after a child has had a strep throat or skin infection.
  • Endocarditis. Glomerulonephritis can develop as a complication of endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart.
  • Viral infections. Infections like human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis Band hepatitis C can cause glomerulonephritis.

Certain conditions can also trigger glomerulonephritis, including:

  • Lupus. This is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Lupus affects many parts of the body.
  • Goodpasture’s syndrome. This is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Goodpasture's syndrome can lead to kidney failure and lung disease.
  • IgA nephropathy. This is a kidney condition in which an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in the kidneys. IgA nephropathy causes blood in the urine.
  • Vasculitis. Many types of vasculitis can also cause glomerulonephritis.

Diagnosis of Glomerulonephritis

If your child shows symptoms of glomerulonephritis, his or her doctor may use the following tests and exams to make a diagnosis:

  • Blood test. Your child's doctor may use a type of blood test called BUN, creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to check how well the kidneys filter blood. Low GFR levels may indicate glomerulonephritis and are a sign of kidney disease. The GFR blood test can also diagnose the stage of kidney disease.
  • Urine test. A sample of your child’s urine will be analyzed in a laboratory in order to determine if white and red blood cell counts point to glomerulonephritis. Red blood cells, red cell casts, white blood cells and protein in the urine can indicate the condition.
  • Imaging tests. Your child’s doctor may use the following imaging tests to fully assess kidney health and function:
    • X-ray
    • Ultrasound
    • Computed tomography
  • Renal Biopsy. If a blood test, urine test and imaging test indicate glomerulonephritis, your child's doctor may perform a renal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is frequently necessary for the doctor to make a definitive diagnosis of glomerulonephritis.

Treatments

Treatments

Treatment for glomerulonephritis depends on the underlying cause, how severe your child's symptoms are and whether your child has an acute or chronic form of the condition. Treatments may include:

  • Dialysis. Rarely your child may require dialysis to clean the blood and perform other functions of the kidneys.
  • Medicines. Corticosteroids are used to decrease inflammation but may have unpleasant side effects. Immunosuppressants are similarly used to decrease inflammation with fewer side effects. Blood pressure medicines and diuretics are used to manage high blood pressure. If inflammation is caused by an infection, antibiotics are used to treat the infection.

The goal of your child's treatment is to reduce further damage to the kidneys and slow down the progression of kidney failure. With treatment, most children respond to therapy and do quite well.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Glomerulonephritis may be caused by an infection or be the result of another condition.
  • Early signs of the condition include blood or excess protein in the urine and swelling in the hands, feet, abdomen or face.
  • Treatment for glomerulonephritis depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your child's symptoms.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Visit the trusted websites below to learn more about glomerulonephritis.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

National Kidney Foundation

Visit this website to learn more about glomerulonephritis, including its causes and treatments.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

Riley Pediatric Nephrology & Kidney Diseases

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Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Nephrology & Kidney Diseases
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