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Background
Bright initially described acute glomerulonephritis (GN) in 1927. Acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is the archetype of acute GN. Acute nephritic syndrome is the most serious and potentially devastating form of the various renal syndromes. Acute GN comprises a specific set of renal diseases in which an immunologic mechanism triggers inflammation and proliferation of glomerular tissue that can result in damage to the basement membrane, mesangium, or capillary endothelium. Hippocrates originally described the manifestation of back pain and hematuria, which lead to oliguria or anuria. With the development of the microscope, Langhans was later able to describe these pathophysiologic glomerular changes. Acute GN is defined as the sudden onset of hematuria, proteinuria, and red blood cell (RBC) casts. This clinical picture is often accompanied by hypertension, edema, azotemia (ie, decreased glomerular filtration rate [GFR]), and renal salt and water retention. Acute GN can be due to a primary renal disease or to a systemic disease. Most original research focuses on acute PSGN. Treatment of PSGN is mainly supportive, because there is no specific therapy for renal disease. When acute GN is associated with chronic infections, the underlying infections must be treated. This article addresses the aspects of GN that are relevant to its acute management. Go to Emergent Management of Acute Glomerulonephritis and Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis for complete information on these topics.
Pathophysiology
Glomerular lesions in acute GN are the result of glomerular deposition or in situ formation of immune complexes. On gross appearance, the kidneys may be enlarged up to 50%. Histopathologic changes include swelling of the glomerular tufts and infiltration with polymorphonucleocytes (see Histologic Findings). Immunofluorescence reveals deposition of immunoglobulins and complement. Except in PSGN, the exact triggers for the formation of the immune complexes are unclear. In PSGN, involvement of derivatives of streptococcal proteins has been reported. A streptococcal neuraminidase may alter host immunoglobulin G (IgG). IgG combines with host antibodies. IgG/antiIgG immune complexes are formed and then collect in the glomeruli. In addition, elevations of antibody titers to other antigens, such as antistreptolysin O or antihyaluronidase, DNAase-B, and streptokinase, provide evidence of a recent streptococcal infection.
Glomerular basement membrane thickening appears as thickening of capillary walls on light microscopy. On electron microscopy, this may appear as the result of thickening of basement membrane proper (eg, diabetes) or deposition of electron-dense material, either on the endothelial or epithelial side of the basement membrane. Electron-dense deposits can be subendothelial, subepithelial, intramembranous, or mesangial, and they correspond to an area of immune complex deposition. Hyalinization or sclerosis indicates irreversible injury. These structural changes can be focal, diffuse or segmental, or global. Functional changes include proteinuria, hematuria, reduction in GFR (ie, oligoanuria), and active urine sediment with RBCs and RBC casts. The decreased GFR and avid distal nephron salt and water retention result in expansion of intravascular volume, edema, and, frequently, systemic hypertension.
Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis
Streptococcal M-protein was previously believed to be responsible for PSGN, but the studies on which this belief was based have been discounted. Nephritis-associated streptococcal cationic protease and its zymogen precursor (nephritis-associated protease [NAPR]) have been identified as a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase that functions as a plasmin(ogen) receptor. This binds to plasmin and activates complement via an alternate pathway. Antibody levels to NAPR are elevated in streptococcal infections (of group A, C, and G) associated with GN but are not elevated in streptococcal infections without GN, whereas anti-streptolysin-O titers are elevated in both circumstances. These antibodies to NAPR persist for years and perhaps are protective against further episodes of PSGN. In a study in adults, the 2 most frequently identified infectious agents were streptococci (27.9%) and staphylococci (24.4%).[2]
Etiology
The causal factors that underlie acute GN can be broadly divided into infectious and noninfectious groups.
Infectious
The most common infectious cause of acute GN is infection byStreptococcus species (ie, group A, beta-hemolytic). Two types have been described, involving different serotypes: Serotype 12 - Poststreptococcal nephritis due to an upper respiratory infection, occurring primarily in the winter months y Serotype 49 - Poststreptococcal nephritis due to a skin infection, usually observed in the summer and fall and more prevalent in southern regions of the United States PSGN usually develops 1-3 weeks after acute infection with specific nephritogenic strains of group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The incidence of GN is approximately 5-10% in persons with pharyngitis and 25% in those with skin infections.
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Nonstreptococcal postinfectious GN may also result from infection by other bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi. Bacteria besides group A streptococci that can cause acute GN include diplococci, other streptococci, staphylococci, and mycobacteria. Salmonella typhosa, Brucella suis,Treponema pallidum, Corynebacterium bovis, and actinobacilli have also been identified. Cytomegalovirus (CMV), coxsackievirus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), hepatitis B virus (HBV),[3] rubella, rickettsiae (as in scrub typhus), and mumps virus are accepted as viral causes only if it can be
documented that a recent group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection did not occur. Acute GN has been documented as a rare complication of hepatitis A.[4] Attributing glomerulonephritis to a parasitic or fungal etiology requires the exclusion of a streptococcal infection. Identified organisms includeCoccidioides immitis and the following parasites: Plasmodium malariae,Plasmodium falciparum, Schistosoma mansoni, Toxoplasma gondii, filariasis, trichinosis, and trypanosomes.
Noninfectious
Noninfectious causes of acute GN may be divided into primary renal diseases, systemic diseases, and miscellaneous conditions or agents. Multisystem systemic diseases that can cause acute GN include the following:
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Vasculitis (eg, Wegener granulomatosis) - This causes glomerulonephritis that combines upper and lower granulomatous nephritides). Collagen-vascular diseases (eg, systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]) This causes glomerulonephritis through renal deposition of immune complexes). Hypersensitivity vasculitis This encompasses a heterogeneous group of disorders featuring small vessel and skin disease. Cryoglobulinemia This causes abnormal quantities of cryoglobulin in plasma that result in repeated episodes of widespread purpura and cutaneous ulcerations upon crystallization. Polyarteritis nodosa - This causes nephritis from a vasculitis involving the renal arteries. Henoch-Schnlein purpura This causes a generalized vasculitis resulting in glomerulonephritis. Goodpasture syndrome This causes circulating antibodies to type IV collagen and often results in a rapidly progressive oliguric renal failure (weeks to months). Primary renal diseases that can cause acute GN include the following:
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) - This is due to the expansion and proliferation of mesangial cells as a consequence of the deposition of complements. Type I refers to the granular deposition of C3; type II refers to an irregular process. y Berger disease (IgG-immunoglobulin A [IgA] nephropathy) - This causes GN as a result of diffuse mesangial deposition of IgA and IgG. y Pure mesangial proliferative GN[1] y Idiopathic rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis - This form of GN is characterized by the presence of glomerular crescents. Three types have been distinguished: Type I is an antiglomerular basement membrane disease, type II is mediated by immune complexes, and type III is identified by antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA). Miscellaneous noninfectious causes of acute GN include the following:
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Guillain-Barr syndrome Irradiation of Wilms tumor Diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine Serum sickness
Epidemiology
United States statistics
GN represents 10-15% of glomerular diseases. Variable incidence has been reported, in part because of the subclinical nature of the disease in more than half the affected population. Despite sporadic outbreaks, the incidence of PSGN has fallen over the past few decades. Factors responsible for this decline may include better health care delivery and improved socioeconomic conditions.
GN comprises 25-30% of all cases of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). About one fourth of patients present with acute nephritic syndrome. Most cases that progress do so relatively quickly, and endstage renal failure may occur within weeks or months of the onset of acute nephritic syndrome. Asymptomatic episodes of PSGN exceed symptomatic episodes by a ratio of 3-4:1.
International statistics
Worldwide, Berger disease is the most common cause of GN. With some exceptions, the incidence of PSGN has fallen in most Western countries. PSGN remains much more common in regions such as Africa, the Caribbean, India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and South America. In Port Harcourt, Nigeria, the incidence of acute GN in children aged 316 years was 15.5 cases per year, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.1:1; the current incidence is not much different.[5] Geographic and seasonal variations in the prevalence of PSGN are more marked for pharyngeally associated GN than for cutaneously associated disease.[5, 6, 7]
Prognosis
Most epidemic cases follow a course ending in complete patient recovery (as many as 100%). The mortality of acute GN in the most commonly affected age group, pediatric patients, has been reported at 0-7%. Sporadic cases of acute nephritis often progress to a chronic form. This progression occurs in as many as 30% of adult patients and 10% of pediatric patients. GN is the most common cause of chronic renal failure (25%). In PSGN, the long-term prognosis generally is good. More than 98% of individuals are asymptomatic after 5 years, with chronic renal failure reported 1-3% of the time. Within a week or so of onset, most patients with PSGN begin to experience spontaneous resolution of fluid retention and hypertension. C3 levels may normalize within 8 weeks after the first sign of PSGN. Proteinuria may persist for 6 months and microscopic hematuria for up to 1 year after onset of nephritis. Eventually, all urinary abnormalities should disappear, hypertension should subside, and renal function should return to normal. In adults with PSGN, full recovery of renal function can be expected in just over half of patients, and prognosis is dismal in patients with underlying diabetic glomerulosclerosis. Few patients with acute nephritis develop rapidly progressive renal failure. Approximately 15% of patients at 3 years and 2% of patients at 7-10 years may have persistent mild proteinuria. Long-term prognosis is not necessarily benign. Some patients may develop hypertension, proteinuria, and renal insufficiency as long as 10-40 years after the initial illness. Immunity to type M protein is type-specific, long-lasting, and protective. Repeated episodes of PSGN are therefore unusual.
The prognosis for nonstreptococcal postinfectious GN depends on the underlying agent, which must be identified and addressed. Generally, the prognosis is worse in patients with heavy proteinuria, severe hypertension, and significant elevations of creatinine level. Nephritis associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and chronic infections usually resolves after treatment of the infection. Other causes of acute GN have outcomes varying from complete recovery to complete renal failure. The prognosis depends on the underlying disease and the overall health of the patient. The occurrence of cardiopulmonary or neurologic complications worsens the prognosis.
Patient Education
Counsel patients about the need for the following measures: Salt restriction during the acute phase to control edema and volume-related hypertension Blood pressure monitoring at periodic intervals Ongoing long-term monitoring of patients with persistent urinary abnormalities and elevated blood pressure y Consideration of protein restriction and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (in patients who show evidence of persistent abnormalities or in those who develop late evidence of progressive disease) y Early antibiotic treatment of close contacts For patient education resources, see the Kidneys and Urinary System Center, as well as Blood in the Urine.
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http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/239278-overview
History
A thorough history should be obtained, focusing on the identification of an underlying systemic disease (if any) or recent infection. Most often, the patient is a boy, aged 2-14 years, who suddenly develops puffiness of the eyelids and facial edema in the setting of a poststreptococcal infection. The urine is dark and scanty, and the blood pressure may be elevated. Nonspecific symptoms include weakness, fever, abdominal pain, and malaise. Ask the patient about the onset and duration of the illness. Symptom onset is usually abrupt. In the setting of acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis (GN), a latent period of up to 3 weeks occurs before onset of symptoms. However, the latent period may vary; it is typically 1-2 weeks for postpharyngitis cases and 2-4 weeks for cases of postdermal infection (ie, pyoderma). The onset of nephritis within 1-4 days of streptococcal infection suggests preexisting renal disease. Identify a possible etiologic agent (eg, streptococcal throat infection [pharyngitis], skin infection [pyoderma]). Recent fever, sore throat, joint pains, hepatitis, travel, valve replacement, and/or intravenous drug use may be causative factors. Rheumatic fever rarely coexists with acute PSGN. Assess the consequences of the disease process (eg, uremic symptoms). Inquire about loss of appetite, generalized itching, tiredness, listlessness, nausea, easy bruising, nosebleeds, facial swelling, leg edema, and shortness of breath. Inquire about symptoms of acute glomerulonephritis, including the following:
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Hematuria - This is a universal finding, even if it is microscopic. Gross hematuria is reported in 30% of pediatric patients, often manifesting as smoky-, coffee-, or cola-colored urine. Oliguria
Edema (peripheral or periorbital) - This is reported in approximately 85% of pediatric patients; edema may be mild (involving only the face) to severe, bordering on a nephrotic appearance. y Headache - This may occur secondary to hypertension; confusion secondary to malignant hypertension may be seen in as many as 5% of patients. y Shortness of breath or dyspnea on exertion - This may occur secondary to heart failure or pulmonary edema; it is usually uncommon, particularly in children. y Possible flank pain secondary to stretching of the renal capsule Ask about symptoms specific to an underlying systemic disease that can precipitate acute GN (see Etiology). Classic presentations include the following:
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Triad of sinusitis, pulmonary infiltrates, and nephritis, suggesting Wegener granulomatosis Nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and purpura, observed with Henoch-Schnlein purpura Arthralgias, associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) Hemoptysis, occurring with Goodpasture syndrome or idiopathic progressive glomerulonephritis Skin rashes, observed with hypersensitivity vasculitis or SLE; also possibly due to the purpura that can occur in hypersensitivity vasculitis, cryoglobulinemia, and Henoch-Schnlein purpura
Physical Examination
The following description does not address all of the physical findings that can be associated with the nonnephrotic features of an infectious process, renal disorder, or systemic disease that causes acute GN; to do so would be beyond the scope of this article. Patients often have a normal physical examination and blood pressure; most frequently, however, patients present with a combination of edema, hypertension, and oliguria. The physician should look for the following signs of fluid overload:
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Periorbital and/or pedal edema Edema and hypertension due to fluid overload (in 75% of patients) Crackles (ie, if pulmonary edema) Elevated jugular venous pressure Ascites and pleural effusion (possible) The physician should also look for the following:
Rash (as with vasculitis, Henoch-Schnlein purpura, or lupus nephritis) Pallor Renal angle (ie, costovertebral) fullness or tenderness, joint swelling, or tenderness Hematuria, either macroscopic (gross) or microscopic Abnormal neurologic examination or altered level of consciousness (from malignant hypertension or hypertensive encephalopathy) y Arthritis Other signs include the following:
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Pharyngitis Impetigo Respiratory infection Pulmonary hemorrhage Heart murmur (possibly indicative of endocarditis) Scarlet fever Weight gain Abdominal pain Anorexia
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Complications
Progression to sclerosis is rare in the typical patient; however, in 0.5-2% of patients with acute GN, the course progresses toward renal failure, resulting in kidney death in a short period. Abnormal urinalysis (ie, microhematuria) may persist for years. A marked decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is rare. Pulmonary edema and hypertension may develop. Generalized anasarca and hypoalbuminemia may develop secondary to severe proteinuria. A number of complications that result in relevant end-organ damage in the central nervous system (CNS) or the cardiopulmonary system can develop in patients who present with severe hypertension, encephalopathy, and pulmonary edema. Those complications include the following:
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Hypertensive retinopathy Hypertensive encephalopathy Rapidly progressive GN Chronic renal failure Nephrotic syndrome
Differentials
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Acute Renal Failure Amyloidosis, Familial Renal Angioedema Ascites Cirrhosis Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 Glomerulonephritis, Crescentic Glomerulonephritis, Diffuse Proliferative Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis, Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis, Rapidly Progressive Goodpasture Syndrome Guillain-Barr Syndrome Heart Failure Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome Hypertensive Emergencies Hypertensive Emergencies Hypertensive Emergencies Impetigo Necrotizing Fasciitis Nephritis, Interstitial Nephritis, Lupus Pediatrics, Fever Pediatrics, Pharyngitis Pharyngitis Rheumatic Fever Scarlet Fever Scarlet Fever
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Serum Sickness Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Thrombocytopenic Purpura Thrombocytopenic Purpura Transplants, Renal
Approach Considerations
Urinalysis and sediment examination are crucial in the evaluation of patients with acute nephritic syndrome. Look for protein, blood, red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), dysmorphic RBCs, acanthocytes, cellular (ie, RBC, WBC) casts, granular casts, and oval fat bodies. In some instances, marked sterile pyuria is present. The presence of RBC casts is almost pathognomonic of glomerulonephritis (GN). Urine electrolyte, urine sodium, and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) assays are needed to assess salt avidity. Other tests should include the following:
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Complete blood count (CBC) Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and serum electrolytes (especially serum potassium) Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) Complement levels (C3, C4, CH50) Streptozyme testing may be useful. Imaging studies are helpful in some patients.
Complement Levels
Differentiation of low and normal serum complement levels may allow the physician to narrow the differential diagnosis. Results are not readily available to the emergency physician but may be useful to the consultant. Low serum complement levels suggest the following systemic diseases: cryoglobulinemia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), bacterial endocarditis, and shunt nephritis. Under the same conditions, renal diseases characteristic of membranoproliferative GN (MPGN) or poststreptococcal GN (PSGN) also may be considered. Normal serum complement levels suggest a visceral abscess, polyarteritis nodosa, Goodpasture syndrome, or Henoch-Schnlein purpura. In addition, normal complement levels suggest renal diseases such as immune complex disease, idiopathic rapidly progressive GN, and immunoglobulin G (IgG) or immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. Low C3 levels are found in almost all patients with acute poststreptococcal nephritis; C4 levels may be slightly low. Hypocomplementemia is noted in 73.9% of adult patients. Type III cryoglobulinemia may be present.
If methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA) is the inciting agent, then hypocomplementemia is usually not present, but plasma immunoglobulins, especially IgA, are markedly elevated.
Renal Biopsy
Generally, a renal biopsy is not necessary for a diagnosis of acute PSGN; however, in most cases, it is important because histology guides both prognosis and therapy. Renal biopsy may be required for definitive diagnosis, particularly in primary renal diseases. Renal biopsy is not indicated as an ED procedure. Candidates for biopsy are patients with an individual or family history of renal disease and patients with an atypical presentation, including massive proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome, or a rapid rise in creatinine level without resolution. In a study of the types and characteristics of GN found in patients with HIV infection, Nebuloni et al reviewed 73 renal biopsies and found that immune complex GNs predominated in the biopsied patients (40 cases), with mesangial proliferative and MPGN being the most common of these (10 and 8 cases, respectively).[8] The authors also reported unusual characteristics in the immune complex GNs, including multiple-site deposits and frequent sclerotic tendencies.
Rx
Approach Considerations
Treatment of acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is mainly supportive, because there is no specific therapy for renal disease. When acute glomerulonephritis (GN) is associated with chronic infections, the underlying infections must be treated. The expertise available in the ICU may be needed for management of patients with hypertensive encephalopathy or pulmonary edema. Consultation with a nephrologist may be indicated. On an outpatient basis, renal function, blood pressure, edema, serum albumin, and urine protein excretion rate should be monitored. In a retrospective study from New Zealand, Wong et al examined the characteristics and treatment of acute PSGN in 27 pediatric patients and determined that the need for acute dialysis was most common among the 11 children in the study with crescentic GN. They also determined that urinary sediment abnormalities persisted in the patients with crescentic GN even after a mean follow-up period of 3.2 years and that the benefits of immunosuppressive therapy were unclear in these patients.[6] Go to Emergent Management of Acute Glomerulonephritis and Acute Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis for complete information on these topics.
Pharmacologic Therapy
Antibiotics
Antibiotics (eg, penicillin) are used to control local symptoms and to prevent spread of infection to close contacts. Antimicrobial therapy does not appear to prevent the development of GN, except if given within the first 36 hours. Antibiotic treatment of close contacts of the index case may help prevent development of PSGN.
Other agents
Loop diuretics may be required in patients who are edematous and hypertensive in order to remove excess fluid and to correct hypertension.
Vasodilator drugs (eg, nitroprusside, nifedipine, hydralazine, diazoxide) may be used if severe hypertension or encephalopathy is present. Glucocorticoids and cytotoxic agents are of no value, except in severe cases of PSGN.
Long-Term Monitoring
Long-term studies on children with PSGN have revealed few chronic sequelae. Results of such studies are controversial because homogenous populations suitable for proper epidemiologic analysis have not been assembled. Long-term studies show higher mortality rates in elderly patients, particularly those on dialysis. Patients may be predisposed to crescent formation.
Medication Summary
The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity, to prevent complications, and to eradicate the infection. Agents used include antibiotics, loop diuretics, vasodilators, and calcium channel blockers.
Antimicrobials (Antibiotics)
Class Summary
In streptococcal infections, early antibiotic therapy may prevent antibody response to exoenzymes and render throat cultures negative, but may not prevent the development of PSGN.
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Penicillin V
Penicillin V is more resistant than penicillin G to hydrolysis by acidic gastric secretions and is absorbed rapidly after oral administration. 250 mg of penicillin V = 400,000 U of penicillin.
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Cephalexin (Keflex)
Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin that inhibits bacterial replication by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It is bactericidal and effective against rapidly growing organisms forming cell walls.
Resistance occurs by alteration of penicillin-binding proteins. It is effective for the treatment of infections caused by streptococci or staphylococci, including penicillinase-producing staphylococci. It may bed used to initiate therapy when streptococcal or staphylococcal infection is suspected. Cephalexin is used orally when outpatient management is indicated. It is at least as effective as erythromycin in eradicating GABHS infection.
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Loop Diuretics
Class Summary
Loop diuretics decrease plasma volume and edema by causing diuresis. The reductions in plasma volume and stroke volume associated with diuresis decrease cardiac output and, consequently, blood pressure.
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Furosemide (Lasix)
Furosemide increases excretion of water by interfering with the chloride-binding cotransport system, inhibiting sodium and chloride reabsorption in the ascending loop of Henle and the distal renal tubule. Furosemide is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The diuretic effect is apparent within 1 hour of oral (PO) administration, peaks by the second hour, and lasts for 4-6 hours. After intravenous (IV) administration, diuresis occurs within 30 minutes; the duration of action is about 2 hours; 66% of the dose is excreted in the urine.
Vasodilators
Class Summary
These agents reduce systemic vascular resistance, which, in turn, may allow forward flow, improving cardiac output.
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Hydralazine
Hydralazine lowers blood pressure by exerting a peripheral vasodilating effect through direct relaxation of vascular smooth muscle. Sodium retention and excessive sympathetic stimulation of the heart may be precluded by coadministration of a thiazide diuretic and a beta-blocker.
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