Chronic nephritis
Key points
- Chronic glomerulonephritis is the advanced stage of a group of kidney disorders, resulting in inflammation and gradual, progressive destruction of the glomeruli (internal kidney structures).
- Chronic glomerulonephritis is caused when there is slow progressive destruction of the glomeruli of the kidney, with progressive loss of kidney function.
- Signs and tests High blood pressure may be present along with abnormal urinalysis.
- For information and support, see kidney disease support groups.
Alternative names
Glomerulonephritis - chronic; Chronic glomerulonephritis
Definition
Chronic glomerulonephritis is the advanced stage of a group of kidney disorders, resulting in inflammation and gradual, progressive destruction of the glomeruli (internal kidney structures).
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Chronic glomerulonephritis is caused when there is slow progressive destruction of the glomeruli of the kidney, with progressive loss of kidney function. Some cases are caused by specific stimuli to the body's immune system, but the precise cause of most is unknown. An as yet undefined abnormality of the immune system is believed to be responsible for most cases. It is a cause of high blood pressure and chronic kidney failure.
Damage to the glomeruli with subsequent inefficient filtering causes blood and protein to be lost in the urine. Because symptoms develop gradually, the disorder may be discovered when there is an abnormal urinalysis during routine physical or examination for unrelated disorders. It may be discovered as a cause of hypertension that is difficult to control.
Glomerulonephritis is among the leading causes of chronic kidney failure and end stage kidney disease. With kidney biopsy, it may be possible to reach a precise diagnosis such as membranous glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, mesangial proliferative disorder, diabetic nephropathy/sclerosis, lupus nephritis, or nephritis associated with disorders such as amyloidosis, multiple myeloma, or immune disorders including AIDS.
It may develop after survival of the acute phase of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis. In about one-fourth of people with chronic glomerulonephritis there is no prior history of kidney disease, and the disorder first appears as chronic kidney failure.
Symptoms
- Blood in the urine (dark, rust-colored, or brown urine)
- Foamy urine
Chronic renal failure symptoms that gradually developmay include the following:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- General ill feeling (malaise)
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Frequent hiccups
- Generalized itching
- Decreased urine output
- Need to urinate at night
- Easy bruising or bleeding
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
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