Glomerulonephritis

Question 1

What is this describing?
Inflammation of the glomerular allowing red blood cells and protein to leak into the urine so kidney function is impaired.

Answer 1

Glomerulonephritis

Question 2

What are the causes of glomerulonephritis in children?

Answer 2

1. post-streptococcal (group A)
2. IgA nephropathy
3. Henoch-Schoenlein purpura
4. Anti-GBM disease (Goodpasture’s)

Question 3

What is this a presentation of?
Microscopic or macroscopic haematuria, red/brown urine, proteinuria, oliguria, hypertension, oedema, fever, anorexia, malaise, recent sore throat or skin infection.

Answer 3

Glomerulonephritis

Question 4

How is glomerulonephritis diagnosed?

Answer 4

1. urinalysis - RBC casts, dysmorphic RBCs, proteinuria
2. U&Es - raised urea and creatinine, low C3
3. throat swab or blood test may suggest recent streptococcal infection
4. FBC, ANA, anti-dsDNA, ANCA, complement, blood cultures
5. biopsy for all causes other than post-streptococcal

Question 5

What is the management glomerulonephritis?

Answer 5

1. post-streptococcal resolves spontaneously within a couple of weeks
2. fluid and salt restriction
3. oral penicillin for 10 days
4. monitor renal function and blood pressure
5. steroids or immunosuppressants for all other causes