Signs of glomerulonephritis

​(Baonghean.vn) - Glomerulonephritis (GLE) is a disease characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli and small blood vessels in the kidneys. It can occur independently or in combination with nephrotic syndrome. The disease is classified into several different types, grouped according to severity.

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There are two types of renal failure: primary renal failure due to intrinsic kidney damage, while secondary renal failure is associated with certain infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, or parasitic), medications, systemic diseases (lupus erythematosus, vasculitis), or diabetes.

Typical symptoms

Depending on the specific type of illness and whether it is acute or chronic, common symptoms may include: dark, foamy urine (due to excess protein); high blood pressure; edema; fatigue; anemia; and urinating less than usual.

Signs of glomerulonephritis. Photo: Internet

Classification of disease types:

Thin glomerular basement membrane disease: This is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder with clinical manifestations of persistent gross hematuria. The damage is identified by renal biopsy and electron microscopy, revealing a thinner-than-normal glomerular basement membrane.

Slow-progressing glomerulonephritis: Minimal-injury glomerulonephritis: This type accounts for up to 80% of nephrotic syndrome in children, but only 20% in adults. Fortunately, this form of the disease responds relatively well to treatment.

Focal segmental glomerulonephritis, also known as focal glomerulonephritis: This can be primary or secondary to conditions such as ascending nephritis (due to urinary tract infection), Alport syndrome (glomerulonephritis, hearing and vision impairment), heroin abuse, and HIV. The disease manifests as nephrotic syndrome with varying degrees of renal failure, with sclerosis occurring only in specific locations. The damage progresses slowly, leading to renal failure.

Membranous glomerulonephritis: This is a common form of the disease in adults. Clinical manifestations are a combination of symptoms of both glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome. It is often idiopathic but can also be associated with other diseases such as hepatitis, malaria, lung and bowel cancer, and lupus erythematosus. One-third of patients progress to end-stage renal failure.

Several other conditions can damage the kidneys: hypertension and diabetic nephropathy. An early symptom is microalbuminuria. Therefore, urine testing for early detection is crucial. Progression is usually slow and depends on treating the underlying cause.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis: Histopathologically, this group of diseases is characterized by a rapid increase in the number of cells in the glomeruli. The process of end-stage renal failure also occurs rapidly, within a period of weeks to months depending on the type.

IgA nephropathy: This is the leading cause of glomerulonephritis in adults, with men being more affected than women. It is characterized by the frequent presence of red blood cells in the urine. Symptoms typically appear within 24-48 hours of a respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. Glomerular damage is caused by the deposition of IgA on the basement membrane.

Post-infectious glomerulonephritis: This can occur with many types of infections, but the most common cause is group D streptococcal infection, especially Streptococcus pyogenes. The disease typically appears 10-14 days after respiratory or skin infections. Diagnosis is based on a history of previous streptococcal infection. Serological tests for streptococcal infection are very helpful in providing further evidence.

Membranous proliferative glomerulonephritis/mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis: This disease can be primary or secondary to lupus erythematosus or viral hepatitis. Abnormal cell proliferation is observed in the glomeruli, basement membrane, capillaries, and mesangial space. It manifests as nephrotic syndrome – nephritis – and progression to end-stage renal failure is inevitable.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis: This form of the disease has a poor prognosis. The disease progresses rapidly to end-stage renal failure within a few weeks.

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