GN Flashcards
(21 cards)
What does ‘diffuse’ refer to in glomerular diseases?
It refers to all glomeruli being involved.
What does ‘focal’ refer to in glomerular diseases?
It refers to some glomeruli being involved (less than 50%).
What does ‘global’ mean in the context of glomerular diseases?
The whole glomerular tuft is involved.
What does ‘segmental’ mean in glomerular diseases?
Only a portion of the glomerulus is involved (less than 50%).
Define ‘proliferative’ in glomerular diseases.
It is an increase in the number of cells in the glomerulus.
What does ‘sclerosing’ mean in glomerular diseases?
It indicates the presence of scarring.
What does ‘necrotizing’ mean in glomerular diseases?
It refers to areas of cell death.
What is the primary pathological feature of GN?
Glomerular inflammation leading to loss of normal function.
What filtration defect is associated with GN?
Defect in GBM allowing passage of RBCs, causing microscopic hematuria, acanthocytes, and RBC casts.
What are the clinical features of GN?
Hypertension, fluid overload, proteinuria, hematuria, and acute or chronic kidney injury.
What is RPGN?
A syndrome with acute onset of azotemia, hypertension, proteinuria, edema, and oliguria, featuring >50% loss in GFR within days to weeks.
What is the histological hallmark of RPGN?
Crescentic GN with rupture of glomerular capillary walls.
What are the management strategies for RPGN?
ANCA and Anti-GBM antibody testing, urgent plasmapheresis, IV steroids, cyclophosphamide, and kidney biopsy.
Which GN types are associated with low complement levels?
Infection-related GN (IRGN), lupus nephritis, and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN).
What infections are common causes of IRGN?
Group A Streptococcus (pharyngitis or impetigo), Staphylococcus-associated GN (cellulitis, endocarditis), and shunt nephritis.
What are key diagnostic features of IRGN?
Microscopic hematuria, dysmorphic RBCs, RBC casts, endocapillary hypercellularity (LM), and subepithelial humps (EM).
What serology tests are relevant for IRGN diagnosis?
Positive antistreptolysin O or anti-DNAse B antibodies.
What is the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis?
Anti-dsDNA antibodies form immune complexes that deposit in glomeruli.
What are common findings in lupus nephritis?
Hematuria, proteinuria, abnormal kidney function, low complements, and elevated ANA and anti-dsDNA antibodies.
What systemic manifestations are associated with GN?
Constitutional symptoms (fever, weight loss), lung involvement (hemoptysis), skin rashes, and arthritis.
What is a common histological feature of MPGN?
Double-contour appearance of GBM on light microscopy.
