Acute Glomerulonephritis

Acute Glomerulonephritis


Acute glomerulonephritis is a kidney disease that results from inflammation of
the glomerulus, a small condensed group of blood vessels, which serves to
filter the blood
more complete discussion how the normal kidney functions

Acute glomerulonephritis results in compromised kidney function and, at times,
overt kidney failure. There are several causes for glomerulonephritis, but only
the post-streptococcal form will be mentioned here (see rheumatic fever in the


Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis results as a complication of either an
untreated bacterial throat infection (strep throat) or scarlet fever. Due to
the prevalent use of antibiotics in our health care system and special quick
test methods for strep throat, this complication is seen only rarely. Like
rheumatic fever, this problem occurs as a result of the body's abnormal
immunologic reaction to the bacteria.

Common symptoms


include a decline in urine output, passage of smoky colored
urine, body swelling, facial swelling, and an increase in blood pressure


Evaluation


will include blood tests (kidney profile and status of
electrolytes). Urinalysis and 24 hour urine collection for creatinine will
allow the doctor to judge the extent of kidney damage and assess what portion of
normal kidney function is still intact
mentioned tests). In cases of questionable diagnosis, a kidney biopsy may be
performed

Treatment


of this difficult medical problem is best left to the Internist or
Nephrologis