Glomerular Disorders

Hematuria, Proteinuria, and Glomerulonephritis

Overview:

Hematuria

Proteinuria

Nephritic Syndrome

Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic Syndrome

Nephrotic syndrome is characterized by the association of:

-Heavy proteinuria (>50 mg/kg/day, or >40 mg/M2/hr, or >1000 mg/M2 day)

-Hypoalbuminemia (serum albumin usually <3 gm/dL

-Edema

-Hyperlipidemia

Mechanisms of glomerular injury in the nephrotic syndrome vary. Circulating nonimmune factors in primary nephrosis such as minimal change disease and primary focal glomerulosclerosis have been described. Secondary disorders such as membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, and lupus nephritis involve circulating immune factors. Mutations in podocyte or slit diaphragm proteins have been implicated in inherited forms of congenital, infantile, or steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome.