Glomerulonephritis

In addition to hematuria and proteinuria, the symptoms of glomerulonephritis include:

• Hypoalbuminemia (abnormally low levels of protein in the blood)
• Edema (swelling of the hands, feet, abdomen or face caused by excess fluid in the body)
• High Blood Pressure
• Fatigue

Glomerulonephritis can occur as a direct result of an infection such as:

• Streptococcal infection. Sometimes glomerulonephritis can occur after a child has had a strep throat or skin infection.
• Endocarditis. Glomerulonephritis can develop as a complication of endocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the heart.
• Viral infections. Infections like human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis Band hepatitis C can cause glomerulonephritis.

Certain conditions can also trigger glomerulonephritis, including:

• Lupus. This is a chronic inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Lupus affects many parts of the body.
• Goodpasture’s syndrome. This is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. Goodpasture's syndrome can lead to kidney failure and lung disease.
• IgA nephropathy. This is a kidney condition in which an antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA) builds up in the kidneys. IgA nephropathy causes blood in the urine.
• Vasculitis. Many types of vasculitis can also cause glomerulonephritis.

Diagnosis of Glomerulonephritis

If your child shows symptoms of glomerulonephritis, his or her doctor may use the following tests and exams to make a diagnosis:

• Blood test. Your child's doctor may use a type of blood test called BUN, creatinine and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to check how well the kidneys filter blood. Low GFR levels may indicate glomerulonephritis and are a sign of kidney disease. The GFR blood test can also diagnose the stage of kidney disease.
• Urine test. A sample of your child’s urine will be analyzed in a laboratory in order to determine if white and red blood cell counts point to glomerulonephritis. Red blood cells, red cell casts, white blood cells and protein in the urine can indicate the condition.
• Imaging tests. Your child’s doctor may use the following imaging tests to fully assess kidney health and function:
  • X-ray
  • Ultrasound
  • Computed tomography
• Renal Biopsy. If a blood test, urine test and imaging test indicate glomerulonephritis, your child's doctor may perform a renal biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is frequently necessary for the doctor to make a definitive diagnosis of glomerulonephritis.