NEPHRITIS AND NEPHROTIC SYNDROME Flashcards
What are the characteristic features of acute nephritis?
Fluid retention (oedema, facial puffiness)
Hypertension
Haematuria
Proteinuria
What is the cause of the majority of acute nephritis in children?
Postinfectious - following a throat or skin infection with group A Beta haemolytic streptococci (eg strep pyogenes)
What are the non-streptococcal causes of acute nephritis in children?
HSP - Henoch-Schonlein purpura (see haematological cards)
IgA nephropathy
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
What is the typical history of a child with acute nephritis?
Discoloured smoky urine
Facial swelling
What will be seen typically on examination of a child with acute nephritis?
High blood pressure
Oedema
What is the other name for IgA nephropathy?
Berger’s disease
What would typically be elicited in the history of someone with acute nephritis caused by IgA nephropathy?
Preceding respiratory tract infection
What is Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?
An immune mediated systemic vasculitis that affects many parts of the body including skin, joints, gut, and kidney. HSP can follow an upper respiratory tract infection.
Which group of patients is Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) most likely to affect?
Boys
How does Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) differ histologically from IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease)?
It doesn’t
What are the skin changes associated with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?
Purpuric rash seen over the extensor surfaces of the legs, arms and buttocks
What are the intestinal changes associated with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?
Abdominal pain, vomiting and bleeding
What is the treatment for Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?
Children usually recover without need for treatment
Parents will need reassurance
What is the most common cause of acute renal failure in children?
Haemolytic uraemic syndrome
What normally causes haemolytic uraemic syndrome in children?
It is caused by Shiga-like toxin produced by E. coli O157:H7 which bind to GB3 receptors in the kidney. Children have more GB3 receptors than adults. The toxin results in red blood cell fragmentation (glomerular microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia) and thrombocytopenia.