Acute glomerulonephritis

Definition

Acute glomerulonephritis is a rapid-onset inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys. It is often caused by immune responses to infections, including bacterial infections.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Acute glomerulonephritis can be triggered by Streptococcus pyogenes, which also causes strep throat.
2. Common symptoms include hematuria (blood in urine), proteinuria (protein in urine), and hypertension.
3. It often follows skin or throat infections, especially in children.
4. Diagnosis typically involves urinalysis, blood tests for kidney function, and sometimes a kidney biopsy.
5. Treatment may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and management of complications like high blood pressure.

Review Questions

Related terms

Glomerulus: A network of capillaries within the kidney that performs the first step of filtering blood.

Streptococcus pyogenes:

A type of bacteria that can cause strep throat and skin infections leading to acute glomerulonephritis.

Hematuria:

The presence of blood in urine, a common symptom of acute glomerulonephritis.