Glomerulonephritis Flashcards
What 3 layers compose the filtration barrier at the glomerulus?
Endothelial lining (fenestrated) Basal lamina Podocytes
What is the glomerulus?
A ball of looped capillaries
Through which vessels does blood enter the glomerulus?
Afferent arteriole
Through which vessels does blood exit the glomerulus?
Efferent arteriole
What type of molecules are not filtered out the blood?
Proteins (equal or bigger than albumin)
RBC
What cells are responsible for supporting the glomerulus?
Mesangial cells
Where does filtrate go after leaving the glomerulus?
Bowman’s space
What is the pathology of glomerulonephritis?
Disease of glomerulus, can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory
What are the 4 most common presentations of glomerulonephritis?
Haematuria
Heavy proteinuria (nephrotic syndrome)
Slowly increasing proteinuria
Acute renal failure (AKI)
What are the main causes of haematuria?
UTI
Urinary tract stone
Urinary tract tumour
Glomerulonephritis
What types of haematuria can occur?
Macroscopic - discoloured urine
Microscopic (2)
What tests would you do in someone presenting with discoloured urine?
Dipstick test
MSSU - urine culture
Ultrasound scan
Renal biopsy
What pathological findings will be observed in biopsy associated with IgA glomerulonephritis?
IgA (immnoglobulin)
C3 complement
What is the cause of IgA glomerulonephritis?
Unknown - antibody excess
What disease progress is observed in IgA glomerulonephritis?
Accumulation of IgA at the glomerulus, clogging the filter membrane