Duration of Treatment
depending on condition
Days of Stay
OPD basis
Anesthesia
Not Required
Cost
On Request
Glomerulonephritis Treatment
Glomerulonephritis (GN) is a group of kidney diseases that cause inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filters in the kidneys responsible for removing waste and excess fluids. It can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (develops slowly), and treatment depends on the cause, severity, and type of GN.
Types of Glomerulonephritis:
- Acute GN – often triggered by infections (e.g., post-streptococcal)
- Chronic GN – slow progression; may lead to kidney failure
- Primary GN – directly affects the kidneys
- Secondary GN – caused by other diseases (e.g., lupus, diabetes, vasculitis)
Treatment Options for Glomerulonephritis:
- Treat the Underlying Cause
- Infection-related GN: Antibiotics (e.g., for strep throat)
- Autoimmune causes (e.g., lupus): Immunosuppressants or corticosteroids
- High blood pressure or diabetes: Tight control to protect kidney function
- Immunosuppressive Medications
- Steroids (Prednisone) – to reduce inflammation
- Cyclophosphamide, Azathioprine, Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) – in immune-mediated GN
- Used under strict monitoring
- Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis)
- Removes harmful antibodies from the blood
- Especially used in rapidly progressing GN or Goodpasture’s syndrome
- Diet & Lifestyle Changes
- Low-sodium, low-protein, low-potassium diet
- Fluid restriction in cases of swelling or high BP
- Avoid smoking and NSAIDs
- Blood Pressure Control
- Medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs help lower BP and reduce protein in urine
- Dialysis or Kidney Transplant (in ESRD)
- Required if chronic GN progresses to kidney failure
- Timely treatment can delay or prevent dialysis
Main Types of Glomerulonephritis:
- Acute Glomerulonephritis
- Sudden onset of symptoms such as swelling, blood in urine, and high blood pressure
- Often triggered by infections (e.g., post-streptococcal infection)
- Can resolve with treatment or progress to chronic GN
- Chronic Glomerulonephritis
- Slow, progressive loss of kidney function over months or years
- May be asymptomatic in early stages
- Leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) if untreated
- Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
- Scarring in some glomeruli (focal) and parts of them (segmental)
- Can be primary or secondary to conditions like obesity or HIV
- Common cause of nephrotic syndrome
- IgA Nephropathy (Berger’s Disease)
- Caused by deposits of IgA antibodies in the glomeruli
- Symptoms: blood in urine, mild swelling
- Can be slowly progressive to chronic kidney disease
- Membranous Nephropathy
- Thickening of glomerular basement membrane
- Often causes proteinuria (protein in urine) and swelling
- May be associated with autoimmune diseases or infections
- Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN)
- Also called crescentic GN due to crescent-shaped scars seen under a microscope
- A medical emergency — kidney function can decline rapidly
- Often treated with immunosuppressants and plasma exchange
- Minimal Change Disease (MCD)
- Most common in children
- Causes nephrotic syndrome (heavy proteinuria, swelling)
- Usually responds well to steroids
- Post-Infectious Glomerulonephritis
- Occurs after bacterial infections, especially strep throat or skin infections
- Common in children
- Usually self-limiting
- Lupus Nephritis
- Secondary GN caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
- Involves immune complex deposits in glomeruli
- Requires immunosuppressive therapy
- Alport Syndrome
- A genetic disorder affecting type IV collagen in the glomerular basement membrane
- Leads to progressive kidney failure, hearing loss, and eye abnormalities
Symptoms
The symptoms of glomerulonephritis can range from mild to severe and may appear suddenly (acute) or gradually over time (chronic). One of the earliest signs is often changes in urine, such as blood in the urine (hematuria), which may appear red, brown, or tea-colored, and foamy urine caused by excess protein (proteinuria). Many patients experience swelling (edema), especially in the face, ankles, feet, or hands due to fluid retention. High blood pressure is a common and serious symptom that can lead to headaches, vision problems, or even heart strain if left untreated.
In more advanced or chronic cases, people may feel fatigued, nauseous, or notice a loss of appetite. Some individuals also experience shortness of breath from fluid buildup in the lungs, itchy skin, or muscle cramps. Over time, as kidney function declines, urine output may decrease, and symptoms of anemia like pale skin or dizziness may appear. Because early stages may be silent, glomerulonephritis is often discovered through routine urine or blood tests. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent kidney damage.
Preparation for Surgery
Proper preparation for kidney-related surgery due to glomerulonephritis (GN) is essential to reduce complications and improve outcomes. Here’s a step-by-step overview of what the preparation usually involves:
- Medical Evaluation
- Full physical examination
- Blood tests (CBC, creatinine, GFR, clotting profile)
- Urine tests (protein, blood, creatinine clearance)
- Imaging: Ultrasound or CT scan to assess kidney size and structure
- EKG or Chest X-ray if general anesthesia is planned
- Diagnosis Confirmation
- A kidney biopsy may be done to confirm the type of GN and decide if surgery (like transplant or dialysis access) is needed
- Consultation with Specialists
- Nephrologist for disease management and surgery need
- Anesthesiologist to assess anesthesia risk
- Surgeon (urologist or transplant surgeon) for procedure planning
- Medication Review
- Stop or adjust medications like blood thinners, NSAIDs, or immunosuppressants as per doctor’s advice
- Start prophylactic antibiotics or steroids if prescribed
- Dietary and Fluid Instructions
- May be asked to follow a low-sodium, low-protein diet
- Fasting 6–8 hours before surgery (especially if under general anesthesia)
- Vaccinations (For Kidney Transplant Patients)
- Get vaccinations against hepatitis, pneumococcus, and influenza, ideally weeks before surgery
- Psychological & Social Preparation
- Counseling to manage anxiety and understand risks/benefits
- Family support planning for post-surgery care
- Arrange for leave from work/school and help at home
- Hospital Admission
- Arrive 1 day before or the morning of the surgery
- Complete pre-op paperwork, consent forms, and final checks
Procedure
Kidney Biopsy (Diagnostic Procedure)
- Purpose: To identify the specific type of glomerulonephritis
- How it’s done:
- You lie face-down or on your side
- A local anesthetic is applied to numb the area
- A thin needle is inserted through the skin into the kidney (usually guided by ultrasound or CT scan)
- A small tissue sample is taken and sent for lab testing
- Time: 20–30 minutes
- Recovery: Rest for several hours; mild back pain and blood in urine may occur temporarily
- Dialysis Access Surgery (for ESRD caused by GN)
- AV Fistula (Hemodialysis)
- Surgeon connects an artery and vein in the arm
- Takes 4–6 weeks to mature before use
- Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter
- A soft tube is surgically inserted into the abdomen
- Used for home-based dialysis with special fluid exchanges
- Kidney Transplant (for End-Stage Kidney Failure)
If GN has caused irreversible kidney damage:
- Donor: Living or deceased
- Surgery:
- Patient is given general anesthesia
- A small incision is made in the lower abdomen
- The new kidney is connected to the patient’s blood vessels and bladder
- The damaged kidneys are usually left in place unless infected
- Time: 3–5 hours
- Hospital Stay: 7–10 days
Lifelong follow-up for immunosuppressive therapy
Success Rates
The success rate of treatment for glomerulonephritis (GN) depends on factors like the type of GN, the stage at which it is diagnosed, and how early medical or surgical intervention is initiated.
FAQs from Doctors
Diagnosis & General Understanding
- What is glomerulonephritis, and how serious is it?
- How do I know which type of GN I have?
- Is a kidney biopsy necessary to confirm the diagnosis?
- What tests should be done regularly to monitor GN?
- Can glomerulonephritis be reversed or cured?
Causes & Risk Factors
- What causes glomerulonephritis in my case?
- Is it genetic or linked to other diseases like diabetes or lupus?
- Can infections really trigger GN? Which ones?
- Can high blood pressure or medications cause GN?
- Is GN contagious or preventable?
Treatment Options
- What medications will I need and for how long?
- Are steroids safe? What are their side effects?
- What happens if medications don’t work?
- Do I need dialysis or a kidney transplant?
- Can lifestyle or diet help manage GN?
Living with GN
- Can I lead a normal life with glomerulonephritis?
- Will this affect my ability to work, study, or travel?
- How long will I need treatment or follow-ups?
- Should I avoid certain foods, drinks, or activities?
- What signs should make me seek emergency care?
Surgery or Transplant-Related (If Applicable)
- Is a kidney transplant needed for GN?
- What is the success rate of transplant in GN patients?
- Can GN return after a kidney transplant?
- How long do transplant kidneys last in GN cases?
- What are the risks of not getting a transplant or dialysis?
