|
|
Post-Streptococcal GN
Alternate Names : Glomerulonephritis - Post-Streptococcal, Post-Infectious Glomerulonephritis
Definition Post-streptococcal GN is a disorder of the kidneys. It involves inflammation of the glomeruli after infection with certain strains of the streptococcus bacterium.
Pictures & Images
 See all Pictures & Images
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is now an uncommon form of glomerulonephritis. It is the result of an infection, not of the kidneys, but of a remote site such as the skin or pharynx, with a specific type of Group A hemolytic streptococcus bacterium.
As a consequence of trapping immune complexes (formed from streptococcal antigen, antibodies, and complement) in the glomeruli of the kidneys, the glomeruli become inflamed, causing inefficient filtering and excreting function by the kidneys. Protein and blood may be present in the urine, and excess fluid commonly accumulates in the body. Hypertension characteristically is present.
The disorder is now less common because of the more common use of antibiotics for predisposing infections. It may occur in people of any age, especially children 6 to 10 years old. The disorder may develop 1 to 2 weeks after a throat infection, and 3 to 4 weeks after a skin infection. Although skin and throat infections are not uncommon in children, post infectious GN is a rare complication of these infections.
Risk factors include having a recent history of sore throat, strep throat, streptococcal skin infections (such as impetigo), and other streptococcal infections.
Today's Top News Stories | • | Early Elective C-Sections Produce Complications - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00
Babies delivered at 37 weeks have double the troubles of those born at 39 weeks.
| • | Gene Governs Response to Leukemia Chemotherapy - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is most common pediatric cancer. | • | Teen Birth Rate Up in 26 States in 2006 - Jan 07, 2009, 14:00
Highest rates in South, Southwest; lowest rates in Northeast, government reports. | • | Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 7, 2009 - Jan 07, 2009, 09:58
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Pediatric)
- Memory Loss
| • | Study of Everest Climbers Questions Oxygen Use - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00
Whether low levels would work for ER patients with hypoxia remains unclear. |
|
Jump to another section
• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Kidney Failure
• Chronic Glomerulonephritis
• Chronic Renal Failure
• End-Stage Kidney Disease
• Glomerulonephritis
• Heart Failure
• Hyperkalemia
• Hypertension
• Impetigo
• Nephrotic Syndrome
• Pulmonary Edema
• Strep Throat
Tests & Exams
• ASO Titer
• Biopsy
• Blood Pressure
• Complement
• Protein - Urine
• Renal Biopsy
• Sodium - Urine
• Urinalysis
• Urinary Casts
Other Topics
• Abdomen - Swollen
• Antibody
• Antigen
• Auscultation
• Cough
• Facial Swelling
• Foot, Leg, and Ankle Swelling
• High Blood Pressure
• Joint Pain
• Peripheral
• Protein in Diet
• Sore Throat
• Swelling
• Urine - Bloody
• Urine Output - Decreased
Review Date : 1/19/2002
Reviewed By : Andrew T. Koren, M.D., Department of Nephrology, NYU-Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
|
|
