Nephritic syndrome
Nephritic syndrome
Classification & external resources
| ICD-10 |
N00., N01., N03., N05. |
| ICD-9 |
580 |
- Not to be confused with nephrotic syndrome
Nephritic syndrome is a collection of signs (known as a syndrome) associated with disorders affecting the kidneys, more specifically glomerular disorders.
Signs and symptoms
Nephritic syndrome is characterized by;
and variable renal insufficiency, with;
- azotemia (elevated blood nitrogen)
- oliguria (low urine output <400 mL/day)
The main features are hypertension and RBC casts. The proteinuria in nephritic syndrome is not usually severe, but may occasionally be heavy enough to be in the range usually found in nephrotic syndrome.
Mnemonic: PHAROH = Proteinuria, Hematuria, Azotemia, RBC casts, Oliguria, Hypertension
Diagnosis
Nephritic syndrome is not a specific diagnosis. It is a clinical syndrome and characterized by the above signs.
An anti-streptolysin O titre (or ASOT) is typically done to test for exposure to streptococci.
Pathophysiology
The exact pathophysiology is dependent on the specific diagnosis. However, the common features are an inflammation of the glomeruli, leading to salt and water retention and a reduction in the kidney function.
Differential diagnosis
The two classic diagnoses of nephritic syndrome are:
Nephritic syndrome causes are usually grouped into 'focal proliferative' and 'diffuse proliferative' on the basis of histology (obtained by a renal biopsy).
Focal proliferative
Diffuse proliferative
Treatment
Treatment is dependent on the underlying etiology (cause) and the degree of kidney dysfunction.
Prognosis
Prognosis depends on the underlying etiology.
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