subacute glomerulonephritis

Subacute glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease characterized by inflammation and damage to the filtering part of the kidneys (glomeruli) over a longer period of time, typically weeks or months [4]. This condition can lead to the buildup of toxins, metabolic wastes, and excess fluid in the body, causing swelling and fatigue [4].

The symptoms of subacute glomerulonephritis may include:

• Urinating less than usual
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Puffiness in the face in the morning
• Extra fluid in the body, leading to swelling

Subacute glomerulonephritis can be caused by various factors, including autoimmune diseases such as lupus, and infections like strep throat or hepatitis C [2]. The exact cause may remain unknown in some cases.

Treatment for subacute glomerulonephritis depends on the underlying cause and severity of the disease. In some cases, the condition may improve on its own without treatment, while others may require medication to manage symptoms and prevent further kidney damage [11].

It's essential to note that subacute glomerulonephritis can lead to more severe complications if left untreated or poorly managed, including kidney failure, which may require dialysis or a kidney transplant [3].

Subacute glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease that can cause various signs and symptoms. Based on the search results, here are some common symptoms associated with this condition:

• Fatigue: This is one of the most common symptoms of subacute glomerulonephritis, as reported in [10]. Patients may experience persistent tiredness or weakness.
• High blood pressure: Elevated blood pressure can be a sign of kidney damage and is often seen in patients with subacute glomerulonephritis ([10]).
• Swelling of the face, hands, feet, and belly: Edema (swelling) in these areas can occur due to fluid buildup in the body, as mentioned in [10].
• Blood and protein in the urine (hematuria and proteinuria): These symptoms are indicative of kidney damage and can be detected through urinalysis ([3], [5], [8]).
• Decreased urine output: Patients with subacute glomerulonephritis may experience a decrease in urine production, as reported in [10].
• Nausea and vomiting: Some patients may experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, which can be related to kidney dysfunction ([11]).

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the individual case and the severity of the condition. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [3], [5], [8] - Urine tests can check for signs of kidney disease. [10] - What are the symptoms of glomerulonephritis? The kidneys can be badly damaged before any symptoms appear. These are the most common symptoms: Fatigue. High blood pressure. Swelling of the face, hands, feet, and belly. Blood and protein in the urine (hematuria and proteinuria) Decreased urine output. Nausea and vomiting. Fever. Flu-like symptoms [11] - Some symptoms of kidney failure are nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, trouble sleeping, itchy skin, and muscle cramps at night.

Subacute glomerulonephritis, also known as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN), is a syndrome that progresses rapidly within a few weeks or months to renal failure and is accompanied by urinary findings of nephritis. The diagnostic tests for subacute glomerulonephritis include:

• Tests of blood and urine: These tests can help identify the presence of red and white blood cells, infection, or too much protein in the urine.
• Imaging tests: Abdominal CT scan, kidney ultrasound, chest x-ray, and intravenous pyelogram (IVP) may be used to evaluate the kidneys and urinary tract.
• Kidney biopsy: This is a definitive test for diagnosing subacute glomerulonephritis. A kidney biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the kidney, which can then be examined under a microscope.

In addition to these tests, doctors may also perform blood tests to assess the complement system, a system of proteins that helps fight infections, and tests for antibodies directed against some of the body's own tissues (called autoantibodies) when they suspect an autoimmune cause for glomerulonephritis [14].

It is worth noting that diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical history, findings, and test results. The differential diagnosis of PSGN includes other infectious and non-infectious causes of acute glomerulonephritis, and evidence of preceding group A strep infection should inform a PSGN diagnosis [15].

Treatment Options for Subacute Glomerulonephritis

Subacute glomerulonephritis, a type of kidney disease characterized by inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, can be treated with various medications. The primary goal of treatment is to manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and prevent complications.

• Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are often prescribed to reduce inflammation and swelling in the kidneys [3]. These medications can help alleviate symptoms and improve kidney function.
• Immunosuppressive agents: In some cases, immunosuppressive agents like chlorambucil or cyclophosphamide may be used to suppress the immune system's attack on the kidneys [3].
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): These medications can help lower blood pressure and reduce proteinuria, a common symptom of glomerulonephritis [1, 2].

Additional Treatment Options

In some cases, additional treatment options may be necessary to manage symptoms and prevent complications. These may include:

• Dialysis: In severe cases, dialysis may be required to remove waste products from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform this function [4].
• Targeted therapies: Targeted therapies like adalimumab or rituximab may be used in some cases to target specific proteins involved in the disease process [5].

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that treatment for subacute glomerulonephritis should only be initiated under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. The specific treatment plan will depend on individual factors, such as the severity of symptoms and underlying health conditions.

References:

[1] Nov 1, 2022 — Medications used to treat chronic glomerulonephritis include angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), ...

[2] Medicine to lower your blood pressure, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin blockers (ARB). Corticosteroids to decrease ...

[3] by K Kühn · 1985 · Cited by 1 — A six months treatment with chlorambucil (0.2 mg/KG/day) or prednisone (0.6 mg/KG/day) each given once a day over a period of three months has recently been ...

[4] Feb 24, 2024 — Acute kidney failure due to infection-related glomerulonephritis is treated with dialysis. Dialysis uses a device that works like an artificial, ...

[5] These medications include adalimumab and rituximab. Doctors give targeted therapies through a vein with intravenous (IV) infusion every few weeks. These ...

The differential diagnosis of subacute glomerulonephritis involves considering a wide range of possible causes, including primary and secondary glomerular diseases.

Primary Glomerular Diseases

• Minimal change disease: This is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children, but can also occur in adults.
• Membranous nephropathy: This is a leading cause of nephrotic syndrome in adults, characterized by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane.

Secondary Glomerular Diseases

• Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN): This is an immune complex-mediated disease that occurs after infection with certain strains of streptococcal bacteria.
• IgA nephropathy: Also known as Berger's disease, this is a leading cause of glomerulonephritis and renal failure worldwide.
• Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN): This is a severe form of glomerulonephritis characterized by rapid deterioration of kidney function.

Other Causes

• Systemic diseases: Certain systemic diseases, such as lupus erythematosus, can cause subacute glomerulonephritis.
• Infections: Infections with bacteria, viruses, or fungi can also cause subacute glomerulonephritis.

It's worth noting that the differential diagnosis of subacute glomerulonephritis often requires a combination of clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and kidney biopsy to determine the underlying cause [