Glomerulonephritis

Question 1

Define glomerulonephritis

Answer 1

The immune mediated inflammation of the glomeruli and nephrons of the kidney.

Question 2

What are the risk factors for glomerulonephritis?

Answer 2

1. Group A haemolytic streptococcus
2. HIV
3. SLE
4. Drugs - gold
5. Colorectal cancer

Question 3

What causes glomerulonephritis?

Answer 3

Glomerular injury may be caused by inflammation due to leukocyte infiltration, antibody deposition, and complement activation

Question 4

What is nephrotic and nephritic syndrome?

Answer 4

1. Nephrotic syndrome is the increased permeability of the glomerulus = LOSS OF A LOT OF PROTEINS IN URINE
2. Nephritic syndrome is the thin glomerular basement membrane with pores = LOSS OF A LOT OF BLOOD

Question 5

What is the epidemiology of glomerulonephritis?

Answer 5

25% of patients with chronic renal failure have this

Question 6

What are the presenting symptoms for glomerulonephritis?

Answer 6

1. Haematuria
2. Polyuria or oliguria
3. Symptoms of acute or chronic renal failure
4. History of recent infection

Question 7

What are the signs of glomerulonephritis on physical examination?

Answer 7

1. Hypertension
2. Haematuria
3. Oedema
4. Low urine output

Question 8

What are the investigations for glomerulonephritis?

Answer 8

1. Urinanalysis
2. Bloods - FBC, U&Es and lipid profile
3. Antibodies (ANA and anti-GBM)
4. USS of kidneys
5. Renal biopsy

Question 9

What is the triad for nephritic syndrome?

Answer 9

1. Haematuria
2. Hypertension
3. Proteinuria

Question 10

Why is there hyperlipidaemia with hypoalbuminaema?

Answer 10

The liver tries to compensate for the lack of protein in the blood by increasing the production of lipids.