6. Nephritic and nephrotic conditions Flashcards
How can glomerular diseases be classified
Heridtary
Primary: disease process originates from the glomerulus
Secondary to systemic disease: systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus, bacterial endocarditis
What do glomerular diseases result in?
inflammation of glomerulus - Glomerulonephritis
What 4 clinical structures within glomerulus are prone to damage?
- Capillary endothelial cell lining
- Glomerular basement membrane
- Mesangium supporting the capillaries
- Podocytes on the outer surface of the capillary
What if glomerular disease is long lasting or left untreated?
Progresses to CKD
What is characteristic of nephrotic syndrome?
Proteinuria (> 3.5g/day)
What are the secondary effects of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome? Why do these occur?
Hypoalbuminaemia causing:
- Oedema: lower capillary oncotic pressure
- Hyperlipidaemia: due to increased hepatic lipoprotein synthesis, secondary to protein loss
What allows proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome?
Podocyte damage, leading to increased pore size and a disruption of glomerular basement membrane charge barrier, hence allowing albumin to exit
How is nephrotic syndrome managed?
• Oedema
– Diuretics, need large doses and may need to be i.v. if gut oedema
– Salt and fluid restriction
• ACE-Inhibitor
– Anti-proteinuric but caution if intravascularly deplete or if renal function deteriorating acutely
• Hypercholesterolaemia
– Atherogenic if long-term nephrotic
• Treat underlying condition
– e.g. steroids for MCD, underlying cause of disease (e.g.amyloid)
• Blood pressure control
• Anticoagulation if hypercoaguable (risk of thrombosis increases as albumin decreases)
Why may anticoagulation be required for management of nephrotic syndrome?
As albumin decreases, the risk of thrombosis increases
What is the triad of nephrotic syndrome?
- Proteinuria
- Hypoalbuminaemia
- Oedema
What is nephritic syndrome usually accompanied by nephrotic syndrome and why?
high cholesterol as liver tries to compensate for hypalbuminaemia by producing more albumin and cholesterol made as a by product
What other features may be present with nephrotic syndrome>
- BP often normal (can be low or high)
- Creatinine may be normal
- Proteinuria > 350 mg/ mmol alone = nephrotic range proteinuria
Which types of primary renal disease can cause nephrotic syndrome?
- Minimal change disease
- Membranous glomerulonephritis
- Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Which types of secondary renal disease can cause nephrotic syndrome?
- Systemic lupus erythematous
Causing nephrotic syndrome but not glomerulonephritis: - Diabetes - most common cause
- Amyloid
What is minimal change disease?
Most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children under 6, resulting in damage and effacement of foot processes of podocytes
How does minimal change disease present?
Foamy urine facial and Periorbital swelling peripheral and Pitting oedema ascites Possibly abdominal pain because of oedema in the gut mucosa (esp in children)
What causes nephrotic syndrome
podocyte damage leading to glomerular charge barrier disruption
How can you see the renal changes in minimal change disease?
Only on electron microscope, no significant changes visible under light microscope
How is minimal change disease treated?
- Diuretics e.g. furosemide to help manage oedema
- High-dose oral corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- May require additional supplements of vitamin das corticosteroids can reduce calcium absorption
How is the prognosis of minimal change disease?
Good in children, but many relapse after treatment
Variable w/ adults