The glomerulonephritides

The glomerulonephritides are a group of disorders characterized by intraglomerular inflammation, manifested clinically by hypertension, haematuria and oedema. The disease severity varies from asymptomatic microscopic haematuria to rapidly progressing renal failure. The common causes of glomerulonephritis (GN) in children include acute post streptococcal GN (APSGN), Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Focussed clinical evaluation and key investigations are vital in establishing a timely diagnosis. Although many patients with GN require minimal medical input, a sub-section require urgent nephrology input for life-saving interventions. Prognosis depends on the underlying cause of GN. APSGN and HSPN are associated with excellent prognosis in the vast majority of affected children whereas majority of those presenting with rapidly progressive crescentic nephritis are likely to develop chronic kidney disease.