Nephritis

Not to be confused with nephrosis.
Nephritis
Enlarged kidney (anatomy)
SpecialtyNephrology
TypesGlomerulonephritis[1] and Interstitial nephritis[2]
Diagnostic methodUltrasound, X-ray[3]
TreatmentDepends on type(See type)

Nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys and may involve the glomeruli, tubules, or interstitial tissue surrounding the glomeruli and tubules.[4] It is one of several different types of nephropathy.

Types[edit]

Causes[edit]

Nephritis can often be caused by infections and toxins, but it is most commonly caused by autoimmune disorders that affect the major organs like kidneys.[5]

Mechanism[edit]

Renin–angiotensin system

Nephritis can produce glomerular injury, by disturbing the glomerular structure with inflammatory cell proliferation.[10] This can lead to reduced glomerular blood flow, leading to reduced urine output (oliguria)[11] and retention of waste products (uremia).[12] As a result, red blood cells may leak out of damaged glomeruli, causing blood to appear in the urine (hematuria).[13]

Low renal blood flow activates the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), causing fluid retention and mild hypertension.[14] As the kidneys inflame, they begin to excrete needed protein from the affected individual's body into the urine stream. This condition is called proteinuria.[15]

Loss of necessary protein due to nephritis can result in several life-threatening symptoms. The most serious complication of nephritis can occur if there is significant loss of the proteins that keep blood from clotting excessively. Loss of these proteins can result in blood clots, causing sudden stroke.[16]

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis depends on the cause of the nephritis, and in the case of lupus nephritis, blood tests, X-rays and an ultrasound can help ascertain if the individual has the condition.[3]

Treatment[edit]

Disease burden of nephritis/nephrosis worldwide in 2004.[17]
  no data
  less than 40
  40–120
  120–200
  200–280
  280–360
  360–440
  440–520
  520–600
  600–680
  680–760

Treatment (or management) of nephritis depends on what has provoked the inflammation of the kidney(s). In the case of lupus nephritis, hydroxychloroquine could be used.[18]

Prevalence[edit]

Nephritis represents the ninth-most-common cause of death among all women in the US (and the fifth leading cause among non-Hispanic black women).[19]

Worldwide, the highest rates[clarification needed] of nephritis are 50–55% for African or Asian descent followed by Hispanic at 43% and Caucasian at 17%.[20]

The average age of an individual diagnosed with kidney inflammation (in this case, lupus nephritis) is 28.4 years old.[21]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Glomerulonephritis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". www.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  2. ^ a b "Interstitial nephritis: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia". www.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  3. ^ a b "American College of Rheumatology guidelines for screening, treatment, and management of lupus nephritis. | National Guideline Clearinghouse". www.guideline.gov. Archived from the original on 15 September 2016. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  4. ^ Keto Acids – Advances in Research and Application 2013 Edition p.220e
  5. ^ "Acute Nephritis; Nephrosis; Nephritic syndrome information. Patient | Patient". Patient. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  6. ^ "Pyelonephritis: Kidney Infection". www.niddk.nih.gov. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  7. ^ "Lupus Nephritis". www.niddk.nih.gov. Archived from the original on 2017-01-04. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  8. ^ "Nephritis Symptoms". esagil.org.
  9. ^ Shinton, N. K. (2007). Desk Reference for Hematology. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420005127. Retrieved 2019-02-14.
  10. ^ "Glomerular Diseases". www.niddk.nih.gov. Retrieved 2015-06-15.
  11. ^ "Oliguria: Background, Etiology, Epidemiology". Medscape. eMedicine. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  12. ^ "uremia | accumulation in the blood of constituents normally eliminated in the urine that produces a severe toxic condition and usually occurs in severe kidney disease". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  13. ^ "Hematuria (Blood in the Urine)". www.niddk.nih.gov. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  14. ^ Ashar, Bimal; Miller, Redonda; Sisson, Stephen; Hospital, Johns Hopkins (2012-02-20). Johns Hopkins Internal Medicine Board Review: Certification and Recertification. Elsevier Health Sciences. ISBN 978-0323087988.
  15. ^ "Proteinuria". www.niddk.nih.gov. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  16. ^ Thomas, Donald E. Jr (2014-05-22). The Lupus Encyclopedia: A Comprehensive Guide for Patients and Families. JHU Press. ISBN 9781421409849.
  17. ^ "WHO Disease and injury country estimates". World Health Organization. 2009. Retrieved Nov 11, 2009.
  18. ^ "Hydroxychloroquine: MedlinePlus Drug Information". medlineplus.gov. Retrieved 23 July 2016.
  19. ^ "Leading Causes of Death - Women's Health USA 2010". mchb.hrsa.gov. Retrieved 2015-06-14.
  20. ^ Lerma, Edgar; Rosner, Mitchell (2012-10-28). Clinical Decisions in Nephrology, Hypertension and Kidney Transplantation. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 9781461444541.
  21. ^ "Lupus Nephritis: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology". 2018-04-22. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

External links[edit]

Scholia has a topic profile for Nephritis.
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