Nephritic syndrome

N05.9


DESCRIPTION

Presents with a varied combination of:

  • painless macroscopic turbid, bloody or brownish urine
  • peripheral and periorbital oedema
  • pulmonary oedema (circulatory overload)
  • hypertension or hypertensive encephalopathy with impaired level of consciousness or convulsions
  • little or no urine excretion.

In children, this is commonly due to acute post streptococcal glomerulonephritis.

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Give oxygen, and nurse in Semi-Fowlers position if patient has respiratory distress.
  • Early referral essential especially if patient had a hypertensive episode or fluid overload.
  • If dehydrated or shocked: Treat immediately. See Shock.

MEDICINE TREATMENT

For management See Acute Kidney Injury.

REFERRAL

All cases.

The definitive treatment of nephritis depends on the cause – an assumption of acute post streptococcal nephritis or any other disease cannot be made without specific investigation which may include renal biopsy.