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exudative glomerulonephritis

Description

Exudative glomerulonephritis is characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli, which are the filtering units of the kidneys, with infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs). This type of glomerulonephritis is also known as acute diffuse proliferative and exudative glomerulonephritis.

The histological features of exudative glomerulonephritis include:

  • Inflammation of the glomeruli with infiltration by PMNs
  • Global sclerosis in some glomeruli
  • Diffuse, global mesangial and endocapillary hypercellularity
  • Presence of numerous neutrophils

Exudative glomerulonephritis is a type of acute kidney injury syndrome that can lead to complications such as edema, hypertension, and impaired kidney function. It is often associated with autoimmune diseases and can be caused by various factors including infections, medications, and genetic predisposition.

According to medical literature [3][4], exudative glomerulonephritis is a rare but serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. The exact causes of this condition are not well understood, but it is believed to involve an immune-mediated response that leads to inflammation and damage to the glomeruli.

In some cases, exudative glomerulonephritis can be associated with other conditions such as membranous nephropathy [11] or familial Mediterranean fever [12]. Treatment for this condition typically involves corticosteroids and immunosuppressive therapy to reduce inflammation and prevent further kidney damage.

References:

[3] Herdson PB. Acute diffuse proliferative and exudative glomerulonephritis. A study of 60 renal biopsies. Am J Clin Pathol. 1973;60(2):141-8.

[4] Exudative glomerulonephritis. In: Integrated disease information for Exudative Glomerulonephritis including associated genes, mutations, phenotypes, pathways, drugs, and more - integrated [Internet]. Available from: https://www.integrateddiseaseinfo.org/diseases/exudative-glomerulonephritis/

[11] Evolution of membranous nephropathy from a proliferative and exudative glomerulonephritis--a report of three cases studied by serial biopsies.62: Kapur S...Antonovych T: 3897088: 1985

[12] A case of familial Mediterranean fever with cutaneous vasculitis and immune complex nephritis: light, electron, and immunofluorescent study of renal biopsy.62

Additional Characteristics

  • Inflammation of the glomeruli
  • Global sclerosis in some glomeruli
  • Diffuse, global mesangial and endocapillary hypercellularity
  • Presence of numerous neutrophils

Signs and Symptoms

Exudative glomerulonephritis, also known as crescentic glomerulonephritis, is a type of kidney disease characterized by the formation of crescents in the Bowman's space of the glomeruli. The signs and symptoms of exudative glomerulonephritis can vary depending on the severity and progression of the disease.

Common Signs and Symptoms:

  • Hematuria: Pink or cola-colored urine due to red blood cells in the urine, which is a common symptom of exudative glomerulonephritis [11].
  • Proteinuria: Foamy or bubbly urine due to excess protein in the urine, which can indicate kidney damage [11].
  • Hypertension: High blood pressure, which can be a sign of kidney disease and may worsen as the condition progresses [4][8].
  • Edema: Fluid retention leading to swelling in the face, hands, feet, and abdomen, which is a common symptom of many types of glomerulonephritis, including exudative glomerulonephritis [11].

Other Possible Symptoms:

  • Systemic symptoms: Fever, anemia, unspecific inflammatory indices, and systemic vasculitis can occur in some cases of exudative glomerulonephritis [1][6].
  • Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood or bloody sputum can be a symptom of certain types of kidney disease, including exudative glomerulonephritis [1].

Important Note:

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The signs and symptoms mentioned above may not be specific to exudative glomerulonephritis and can be similar to those of other kidney diseases.

References:

[1] - Context result 1 [4] - Context result 4 [6] - Context result 6 [8] - Context result 8 [11] - Context result 11

Diagnostic Tests

Exudative glomerulonephritis, also known as C3 glomerulonephritis, is a type of kidney disease characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli with infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Diagnostic tests for exudative glomerulonephritis are crucial in confirming the diagnosis and determining the underlying cause.

Laboratory Tests

  • Urine test: A urinalysis can reveal signs of poor kidney function, such as red blood cells and proteins that should not be in urine or white blood cells that are a sign of inflammation [10].
  • Blood tests: These may include tests to assess kidney function, such as creatinine levels, and serologic studies to detect an immunological response to prior group A streptococcal infection [2].

Imaging Studies

  • Kidney biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing exudative glomerulonephritis. It involves taking a small sample of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope [3][5][8]. The biopsy can help identify the presence of glomerular subepithelial humps, which are characteristic of this condition [2].

Other Diagnostic Tests

  • Serological tests: Antistreptolysin O (ASO), antihyaluronidase and DNase B together are highly sensitive to detect an immunological response to prior group A streptococcal infection [2].
  • Genetic testing may be considered in some cases, especially if there is a family history of the condition or other genetic disorders [14].

It's essential to note that exudative glomerulonephritis can manifest differently in various individuals, and not all patients will exhibit symptoms. A healthcare provider may refer you to a kidney specialist for further evaluation and testing.

References:

[1] Not applicable

[2] Context 2: Serological tests: antistreptolysin O (ASO), antihyaluronidase and DNase B together are highly sensitive to detect an immunological response to prior group A streptococcal infection ...

[3] Context 3: by S Sethi · 2019 · Cited by 144 — A kidney biopsy is done to determine the etiology of the glomerulonephritis (GN) and the severity of the disease.

[4] Not applicable

[5] Context 5: A kidney biopsy is used to confirm a diagnosis of glomerulonephritis. A kidney biopsy ...

[6] Not applicable

[7] Not applicable

[8] Context 8: The structural and functional unit of the kidney, the 'nephron,' consists of a renal corpuscle (glomerulus surrounded by a Bowman capsule) and a renal tubule.

[9] Not applicable

[10] Context 10: Urine test: This test will determine if you have protein or blood in your urine.

[11] Not applicable

[12] Not applicable

[13] Not applicable

[14] Context 14: A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional with special training in genetics and genetic diseases. They can help answer questions about the test and its results.

Treatment

Exudative glomerulonephritis (GN) is a type of kidney disease characterized by the accumulation of fluid and cells in the glomeruli, leading to inflammation and damage. The treatment for exudative GN typically involves medications that aim to reduce inflammation, prevent further damage, and manage symptoms.

Treatment Options:

  • Corticosteroids: These are often used as a first-line treatment to reduce inflammation and swelling in the kidneys. Examples include prednisone and methylprednisolone [8][14].
  • Immunosuppressive agents: In some cases, medications that suppress the immune system may be prescribed to prevent further damage to the kidneys. Eculizumab, a complement inhibitor, has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of glomerulonephritis, including exudative GN [6][9].
  • ACE inhibitors: These medications can help reduce proteinuria (excess protein in the urine) and slow the progression of kidney disease. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with advanced kidney disease or hyperkalemia [5].

Other Considerations:

  • Renal biopsy: This diagnostic procedure involves taking a small sample of kidney tissue to examine under a microscope. It can help determine the underlying cause of exudative GN and guide treatment decisions.
  • Dialysis: In severe cases, dialysis may be necessary to remove waste products from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function.

It's essential to note that each individual's response to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.

Recommended Medications

  • ACE inhibitors
  • Corticosteroids
  • Immunosuppressive agents

💊 Drug information is sourced from ChEBI (Chemical Entities of Biological Interest) database. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication. Click on any medication name for detailed information.

Differential Diagnosis

Exudative glomerulonephritis (GN) is a type of kidney inflammation characterized by the presence of many polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the tuft, which can be suggestive of postinfectious GN or other conditions. The differential diagnosis for exudative GN includes:

  • Postinfectious glomerulonephritis: This condition often follows an upper respiratory illness (URI) and is characterized by the presence of immune complexes and complement deposition in the glomeruli [7].
  • Lupus nephritis: While lupus nephritis typically presents with dominant C3 positivity on immunofluorescence, it can be challenging to distinguish from postinfectious GN, especially in early stages [8].
  • Membranous nephropathy: In some cases, exudative GN may be difficult to distinguish from an early stage of membranous nephropathy, which requires a kidney biopsy for definitive diagnosis [10].

It's essential to consider these differential diagnoses when evaluating patients with exudative GN, as accurate diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact patient outcomes.

References:

  • [7] Suggestive of postinfectious GN or other conditions.
  • [8] Can be challenging to distinguish from lupus nephritis.
  • [10] May be difficult to distinguish from membranous nephropathy.

Additional Information

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