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{{Infobox_Disease |
#redirect:[[Glomerular disease]]
  Name          = {{PAGENAME}} |
  Image          = Acute GN 2.jpg|
  Caption        = Acute Glomerulonephritis: Micro H&E high mag; an  excellent example of acute exudative glomerulonephritis. <br> <small> [http://www.peir.net Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology] </small>|
  DiseasesDB    = 5245 |
  ICD10          = N00, N01, N03, N18 |
  ICD9          = {{ICD9|580}}-{{ICD9|582}} |
  ICDO          = |
  OMIM          = |
  MedlinePlus    = |
  eMedicineSubj  = |
  eMedicineTopic = |
  MeshID        = D005921 |
}}
{{SI}}
{{CMG}}; '''Associate Editor-In-Chief:''' {{CZ}}
 
'''''Synonyms and Keywords:''''' glomerular nephritis; GN
 
==Overview==
'''Glomerulonephritis''', also known as '''glomerular nephritis''' and abbreviated '''GN'''', is a primary or secondary immune-mediated [[kidney|renal]] disease characterized by [[inflammation]] of the [[glomerulus|glomeruli]], or small blood vessels in the kidneys.  It may present with isolated [[hematuria]] and/or [[proteinuria]] (blood resp. protein in the [[urine]]); or as a [[nephrotic syndrome]], a [[nephritic syndrome]], [[acute renal failure]], or [[chronic renal failure]].
 
They are categorized into several different pathological patterns, which are broadly grouped into non-proliferative or proliferative types. Diagnosing the pattern of GN is important because the outcome and treatment differs in different types. Primary causes are one which are intrinsic to the [[kidney]], whilst secondary causes are associated with certain infections (bacterial, viral or parasitic pathogens), [[drug]]s, systemic disorders ([[SLE]], [[vasculitis]]) or [[cancers]].
 
==Non Proliferative Glomerulonephritis==
 
This is characterised by a lack of hypercellularity in the glomeruli. They usually cause [[nephrotic syndrome]]. This includes the following types:
 
===1. Minimal change GN===
 
This form of GN causes 80% of [[nephrotic syndrome]] in children, but only 20% in adults. As the name indicates, there are no changes visible on simple light microscopy, but on electron microscopy there is fusion of podocytes (supportive cells in the glomerulus). Immunohistochemistry staining is negative. Treatment consists of supportive care for the massive fluid accumulation in the patients body (= oedema) and as well as steroids to halt the disease process (e.g. [[Prednisone]] 1 mg/ kg). Over 90% of children respond well to steroids, being essentially cured after 3 months of treatment. Adults have a lower response rate (80%). Failure to respond to steroids ('steroid resistant') or return of the disease when steroids are stopped ('steroid dependent') may require cytotoxic therapy (e.g. [[cyclosporin]]) which is associated with many side-effects. As we all may know
 
===2. Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)===
 
FSGS may be primary or secondary to reflux nephropathy, [[Alport syndrome]], [[heroin]] use or HIV. FSGS presents as a [[nephrotic syndrome]] with varying degrees of impaired renal function (seen as a rising serum [[creatinine]], [[hypertension]]). As the name suggests, only certain foci of glomeruli within the kidney are affected, and then only a segment of an individual glomerulus.
 
The pathological lesion is sclerosis (fibrosis) within the glomerulus and hyalinisation of the feeding arterioles, but no increase in the number of cells (hence non proliferative). The hyaline is an amorphous material, pink, homogeneous, resulting from combination of plasma proteins, increased mesangial matrix and [[collagen]]. Staining for antibodies and complement is essentially negative. Steroids are often tried but not shown to be effective. 50% of people with FSGS continue to have progressive deterioration of kidney function, ending in renal failure.
 
===3. Membranous glomerulonephritis===
 
Presents as nephrotic syndrome, leading cause in adults (35%). It is usually idiopathic, but may be associated with cancers (lung, bowel), infection (hepatitis, malaria), drugs (penicillamine), [[SLE]]. The basement membrane on which the glomerular cells sit is thickened, but no increase in cells. Immune staining shows diffuse granular uptake of IgG (immunoglobulin G) and complement type 3. A third of people continue having the disease, 1/3 remit, 1/3 progress to end-stage kidney failure. As glomerulonephritis progresses (in any type), the tubules of the kidney (which are separate to the glomerulus) also become affected, showing atrophy and hyalinisation. The kidney grossly appears shrunken. Treatment with steroids is attempted if it is progressive.
 
==Proliferative Glomerulonephritis==
 
This type is characterised by increased number of cells in the glomerulus (hypercellular). Usually present as a nephritic syndrome and usually progress to end-stage renal failure (ESRF) over weeks to years (depending on type).
 
===1. IgA disease (Berger's nephropathy)===
 
This is the most common type of [[glomerulonephritis]] in adults world-wide. It usually presents as macroscopic [[haematuria]] (visibly bloody urine). It occasionally presents as a [[nephrotic syndrome]]. It often affects young males after an upper respiratory tract infection. Microscopic examination of biopsy specimens shows increased number of mesangial cells with increased matrix (the 'cement' which holds everything together). Immuno-staining is positive for [[immunoglobulin A]] deposits within the matrix. Prognosis is variable, 20% progress to ESRF. Steroids and immunosuppression are not effective treatments for this disease; [[ACE inhibitor]]s are the mainstay of treatment.
 
===2. Post-infectious Glomerulonephritis===
 
Post-infectious glomerulonephritis occurs after Streptococcal infection - usually of the skin, after a latency of 10 days. This condition is essentially defined as an inflammation of the kidneys.  Light microscopy shows diffuse hypercellularity due to proliferation of endothelial and mesangial cells, inflammatory infiltrate with neutrophils and with monocytes. The Bowman space is reduced (compressed), in severe cases might see cresent formation [see later]. However, biopsy is seldom done because the disease usually regresses. Patients present with a nephritic syndrome. Diagnosis is suggested by positive streptococcal titers in the blood (ASOT). Treatment is supportive, and the disease resolves (as a rule) in 2 weeks.
 
===3. Mesangiocapillary Glomerulonephritis===
 
This is primary, or secondary to [[SLE]], [[viral hepatitis]], hypocomplementemia. One sees 'hypercellular and hyperlobular' glomeruli due to proliferation of both cells and the matrix within the mesangium. Presents usually with as a [[nephrotic syndrome]] but can be nephritic, with inevitable progression to ESRF.
 
===4. Rapidly progressive Glomerulonephritis (Crescentic GN)===
 
As the name suggests, this type has a poor prognosis, with rapid progression to [[kidney failure]] over weeks. Any of the above types of GN can be rapidly progressive. Additionally two further causes present as solely RPGN.
 
One is [[Goodpasture's syndrome]]. This is an autoimmune disease whereby antibodies are directed against antigens found in the [[kidney]] and [[lung]]s. As well as [[kidney failure]], patient have hemoptysis (cough up blood). High dose immunosupression is required (intravenous methylprednisone) and [[cyclophosphamide]], plus plasmapharesis.
 
Immunohistochemistry staining of tissue specimens shows linear [[IgG]] deposits.
 
The second cause is vasculitic disorders such as Wegener's and [[polyarteritis]]. There is a lack of immune deposits on staining, but blood tests are positive for ANCA antibody.
 
=====Histopathology=====
 
The majority of glomeruli present "crescents". Formation of crescents is initiated by passage of fibrin into the Bowman space as a result of increased permeability of glomerular basement membrane. Fibrin stimulates the proliferation of parietal cells of Bowman capsule, and an influx of [[monocyte]]s. Rapid growing and fibrosis of crescents compresses the capillary loops and decreases the Bowman space which leads to renal failure within weeks or months.
 
[http://www.peir.net Images shown below are courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology]
 
<div align="left">
<gallery heights="175" widths="175">
image:Acute GN 1.jpg|Glomerulonephritis: Micro H&E med mag; an excellent example of AGN with many neutrophils
image:Acute GN 2.jpg|Acute Glomerulonephritis: Micro H&E high mag; an  excellent example of acute exudative glomerulonephritis.
</gallery>
</div>
 
<br>
 
==Glomerulonephritis Videos==
====Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis====
 
{{#ev:youtube|CqSyj4cVZPE}}
 
 
====Chronic glomerulonephritis====
 
{{#ev:youtube|eA1vYarRAWo}}
 
==Pathological Findings: A Case Example==
 
====Clinical Summary====
 
A 17-year-old white male had end-stage renal disease requiring hemodialysis for 10 years. For the previous four years he had hypertension which slowly increased to about 180/120 mm Hg. Laboratory findings included a greatly elevated BUN and creatinine. He was admitted for bilateral nephrectomy and discharged in satisfactory condition on the 10th postoperative day. He was to be contacted in the future for transplantation.
 
====Autopsy Findings====
 
The left (97 grams) and right (88 grams) kidneys were of similar appearance. Cortices were pale, diffusely granular with a few 1-2 mm cysts. On being sectioned, the cortex of each kidney was thin (4-5 mm) and pale. Renal medullae were pale yellow-tan in color and there was abundant peripelvic fat. The ureters, pelvis, calyces and hilar vessels showed no abnormalities.
 
[http://www.peir.net Image courtesy of Professor Peter Anderson DVM PhD and published with permission © PEIR, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pathology]
 
<div align="left">
<gallery heights="175" widths="175">
Image:Glomerulonephritis case 1.jpg|This is a low-power photomicrograph of a saggital section of end stage chronic glomerulonephritis (GN). Note the marked thinning of the cortex (arrow).
Image:Glomerulonephritis case 2.jpg|This is a higher-power photomicrograph of hyalinized glomeruli (arrows) and glomeruli with thick basement membranes.
</gallery>
</div>
 
 
<div align="left">
<gallery heights="175" widths="175">
Image:Glomerulonephritis case 3.jpg|This is a higher-power photomicrograph of hyalinized glomeruli (1) and glomeruli with thickened basement membranes (2).
Image:Glomerulonephritis case 4.jpg|This is a photomicrograph of interstitial and vascular lesions in end stage renal disease.
</gallery>
</div>
 
 
<div align="left">
<gallery heights="175" widths="175">
Image:Glomerulonephritis case 5.jpg|This is an immunofluorescent photomicrograph of granular membranous immunofluorescence (immune complex disease). The antibody used for these studies was specific for IgG.
Image:Glomerulonephritis case 6.jpg|This is an electron micrograph of subepithelial granular electron dense deposits (arrows) which correspond to the granular immunofluorescence seen in the previous image.
</gallery>
</div>
 
 
<div align="left">
<gallery heights="175" widths="175">
Image:Glomerulonephritis case 7.jpg|This is a photomicrograph of a glomerulus from another case with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. In this case the immune complex glomerular disease is ongoing with necrosis and accumulation of neutrophils in the glomerulus.
Image:Glomerulonephritis case 8.jpg|This immunofluorescent photomicrograph of a glomerulus from a case of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis shows a granular immunofluorescence pattern consistent with immune complex disease. The primary antibody used for this staining was specific for IgG; however antibodies for complement would show a similar pattern.
</gallery>
</div>
 
 
<div align="left">
<gallery heights="175" widths="175">
Image:Glomerulonephritis case 9.jpg|This electron micrograph demonstrates scattered subepithelial dense deposits (arrows) and a polymorphonuclear leukocyte in the lumen.
Image:Glomerulonephritis case 10.jpg|For comparison this is an immunofluorescent photomicrograph of a glomerulus from a patient with Goodpasture's syndrome. The linear (arrows) immunofluorescence is characteristic of Goodpasture's syndrome.
</gallery>
</div>
 
==Related chapters==
* [[Nephritic syndrome]]
* [[Nephritis]]
 
==Resources==
 
===Images:===
 
*[http://www.pathologyatlas.ro/Proliferative%20Glomerulonephritis.html Proliferative GN]
 
*[http://www.pathologyatlas.ro/Crescentic%20Glomerulonephritis.html Crescentic GN]
 
*[http://www.pathologyatlas.ro/Chronic%20Glomerulonephritis1.html Chronic GN]
 
===HDCN===
 
*[http://www.hdcn.com/ch/nephr/nephr.htm  HDCN Nephritis Channel] - Collection of lectures and links pertaining to glomerulonephritis on the HDCN (Hypertension, Dialysis, and Clinical Nephrology) on-line journal.
 
*[http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/post-infectious-glomerulonephritis/AN00629 Post-infectious glomerulonephritis] - mayoclinic.com.
 
*[http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/strep.htm Group A Streptococcal Infections] - National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
 
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
 
{{Nephrology}}
{{SIB}}
 
[[Category:Disease]]
 
[[Category:Organ disorders]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Kidney diseases]]
 
[[de:Glomerulonephritis]]
[[es:Glomerulonefritis]]
[[fr:Glomérulonéphrite]]
[[nl:Glomerulonefritis]]
[[ja:糸球体腎炎]]
[[pl:Kłębuszkowe zapalenie nerek]]
[[pt:Glomerulonefrite]]
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Latest revision as of 13:59, 30 April 2018

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