Clinical aspects of glomerular disease

Question 1

What are components of glomerular filtration membrane?

Answer 1

• Endothelial fenestrae
• GBM (large holes but high negatively charged)
• Podocyte foot processes

Question 2

What are clinical features of nephrotic syndrome?

Answer 2

• Significant proteinuria (>3.5g/day) due to glomerular damage
• Low serum albumin (due to proteinuria)
• Oedema (due to low albumin causing reduced plasma oncotic pressure)
• High serum lipid levels (due to loss of regulatory proteins in urine)

Question 3

What are clinical features of nephritic syndrome?

Answer 3

• Haematuria
• Hypertension
• Proteinuria
• Oedema
• Reduced GFR