NEPHRITIS

NEPHRITIS

DEFINITION

Nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys and may involve the glomeruli, tubules, or interstitial tissue surrounding the glomeruli and tubules. 

DEscription

The most prevalent form of acute nephritis are :

1)      Glomerulonephritis

Ø This condition affects children and teenagers far more often than it affects adults. It is inflammation of the glomeruli, or small round filters located in the kidney.

2)      Pyelonephritis

Ø Affects adults more than children, and is recognized as inflammation of the kidney and upper urinary tract.

3)      Hereditary nephritis

Ø A rare inherited condition.

causes and symptoms

Acute glomerulonephritis

Ø Usually develops a few weeks after a strep infection of the throat or skin.

Pyelonephritis

Ø Usually occurs suddenly, more common in adult women.

Ø The most common cause of this form of bacterial nephritis is the backward flow of infected urine from the bladder into the upper urinary tract.

Hereditary Nephritis

 Ø Present at birth. The rare disease presents in many different forms and can be responsible for up to 5% of end-stage renal disease in men.

diagnosis

Diagnosis of nephritis is based on

• The patient's symptoms and medical history
• Physical examination
• Laboratory tests
• Kidney function tests
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound or x – rays to determine blockage and inflammation

Urinalysis can reveal the presence of:

• Albumin and other proteins
•  Red and white blood cells
• Pus, blood, or bacteria in the urine 

treatment

Glomerulonephritis

Ø Drugs such as cortisone or cytotoxic drugs 
   (those that are destructive to certain cells or antigens).

Ø Diuretics may be prescribed to increase urination.

Ø Iron and vitamin supplements may be recommended if the patient becomes anemic.

Acute Pyelonephritis

Ø May require hospitalization for severe illness.

Ø Antibiotics will be prescribed, with the length of treatment based on the severity of the infection.
Ø Surgery is sometimes necessary.

Hereditary 

Ø Depends of the variety of the disease and severity at the time of treatment.

PROGNOSIS

Glomerulonephritis

Ø 90% of children recover without complications.

Pyelonephritis

Ø In the acute form offers a good prognosis if diagnosed and treated early.
Ø Follow-up urinalysis studies will determine if the patient remains bacteria-free.
Ø If the infection is not cured or continues to recured, it can lead to serious complications such as bacteremia , hypertension, chronic pyelonephritis and even permanent kidney damage.

Hereditary Nephritis

Ø If not detected or treated, it can lead to complications such as eye problems, deafness or kidney failure.

PREVENTION

Glomerulonephritis

Ø May lead by streptococcal infections but can be prevented by avoiding exposure to strep infection.

Pyelonephritis

Ø Can be avoid if those with a history of urinary tract infections take care to drink plenty of fluids, urinate frequently, and practice good hygiene.

Hereditary Nephritis

Ø Can not be prevented, but research to combat the disease continues.