Question 1

What is acute nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Acute nephritic syndrome is a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the internal kidney structures (specifically, the glomeruli).

Question 2

What are the risk factors for acute nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Acute nephritic syndrome is often caused by an immune response triggered by an infection or other disease. Casues seen more frequently in children and adolescents include the following: • IgA nephropathy • Henoch-Schonlein purpura • Hemolytic uremic syndrome • Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis Associated diseases seen more frequently in adults include: • SLE or lupus nephritis • Membranoproliferative GN I • Membranoproliferative GN II • Infective endocarditis • Vasculitis • Rapidly progressive (crescentic) glomerulonephritis • Goodpasture's syndrome • Klebsiella pneumonia • Abdominal abscesses • Viral diseases such as mononucleosis, measles, mumps • Typhoid fever • Hepatitis • Syphilis…

Question 3

What are the symptoms of acute nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Despite the diversity of diseases that cause acute nephritis below, they share many symptoms in common: • Blood in the urine (urine appears dark, tea colored, or cloudy.) • Decreased urine volume (little or no urine may be produced.) • Swelling o facial swelling o swelling around the eye socket o arms, hands, feet, legs (dependent edema) o abdomen o generalized • General aches and pains ( joint pain, muscle aches) • General ill feeling (malaise) • Headache • Blurred vision • Slow, sluggish, lethargic movement Late symptoms include the following: • Seizures • Decreased alertness, drowsiness, confusion • Nausea and vomiting • Easy bruising or bleeding • Cough containing mucus or pink, frothy…

Question 4

How is acute nephritic syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

The goal of treatment is to reduce glomerular inflammation. Hospitalization is required for diagnosis and treatment of many forms of acute nephritic syndrome. The cause must be identified and treated. This may include antibiotics or other medications or treatment. Bedrest may be recommended. The diet may include restriction of salt, fluids, and potassium. Medications may include anti-hypertensive medications to control high blood pressure. Corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications may be used to reduce inflammation. Other treatment of acute kidney failure may be appropriate.

Question 5

What is the outlook for acute nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The probable outcome is variable and depends on the disease responsible for the nephritis. When improvement occurs, symptoms associated with fluid retention (such as swelling and cough) and high blood pressure may resolve in a week or two, while urine tests take months to return to normal. Children tend to do better than adults and usually recover completely. Only rarely do they develop complications or progress to chronic glomerulonephritis. Adults do not recover quite as well or as rapidly as children. Although recurrence is unusual, at least one-third of adults whose acute nephritic syndrome recurs will eventually develop end-stage kidney disease.

Question 6

What are the complications of acute nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

• Acute kidney failure • Chronic kidney failure • End-stage kidney disease • High blood pressure • Congestive heart failure • Pulmonary edema • Chronic glomerulonephritis • Nephrotic syndrome Calling your health care provider Call your health care provider if symptoms that are suggestive of acute nephritic syndrome develop.

Question 7

Can acute nephritic syndrome be prevented?

Accepted Answer

Many times the disorder cannot be prevented, although treatment of illness and infection may help to reduce the risk.

Acute nephritic syndrome

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