Nephrotic, Nephritic and Glomerulonephritis Flashcards
(33 cards)
What are the three hallmark features of nephrotic syndrome?
Proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and oedema.
What is the significance of proteinuria in nephrotic syndrome?
It indicates excessive protein loss in urine, contributing to hypoalbuminemia.
What percentage of nephrotic syndrome cases are caused by minimal change disease?
10%–25%.
How do glomeruli appear under a light microscope in minimal change disease?
They appear normal.
What changes are seen under an electron microscope in minimal change disease? 3
Diffuse effacement (flattening) of podocyte foot processes, widening of filtration slits, and microvillous transformation.
What is the suspected mechanism behind minimal change disease?
A T-cell-derived factor affecting podocytes (exact mechanism is idiopathic).
Is minimal change disease usually responsive to steroid therapy?
Yes, most patients respond well to steroids.
What might happen if steroid therapy is stopped in minimal change disease?
Symptoms may relapse.
Do most patients with minimal change disease progress to chronic renal failure?
No, most do not.
What condition is associated with progression to chronic renal failure in some patients with minimal change disease?
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
Can patients with minimal change disease become steroid dependent?
Yes, some may become steroid dependent.
Name two other types of glomerulonephritis besides minimal change disease.
IgA nephropathy and Goodpasture’s Syndrome.
What is the typical cause of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis?
A previous infection with Group A β-hemolytic Streptococcus (usually pharyngitis or impetigo)
What is the latent period between infection and PSGN onset?
1–3 weeks.
What are common signs of PSGN? 3
Cola-colored urine, periorbital edema, hypertension.
What is seen on light microscopy in PSGN?
Hypercellular glomeruli with neutrophils and monocytes.
What is the prognosis of PSGN in children?
Usually excellent – most recover fully.
What is the hallmark finding in IgA nephropathy?
IgA deposition in the mesangium.
When do symptoms typically occur in IgA nephropathy?
Within days of a mucosal infection (e.g., respiratory or GI).
What is the classic presentation of IgA nephropathy?
Episodic hematuria, often following an upper respiratory tract infection.
What causes Goodpasture’s syndrome?
Autoantibodies against the glomerular and alveolar basement membranes (anti-GBM antibodies).
What organs are primarily affected in Goodpasture’s syndrome?
Kidneys and lungs
What are common symptoms of Goodpasture’s syndrome?
Hematuria and hemoptysis.
What is the treatment for Goodpasture’s syndrome?
Plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., steroids, cyclophosphamide).
