What Is Chronic Glomerulonephritis?

Chronic glomerulonephritis is a kidney disorder caused by slow, cumulative damage and scarring of the
tiny blood filters in the kidneys. These filters, known as glomeruli, remove waste products from the
blood.

In chronic glomerulonephritis, scarring of the glomeruli impedes the filtering process, trapping waste
products in the blood while allowing red blood cells or proteins to escape into the urine, eventually
producing the characteristic signs of high blood pressure and swelling in the legs and ankles.

The disorder may first come to ones attention because of high blood pressure. In others, fluid retention
and/or foamy urine may be the first signs. Long-term inflammation and scarring (sclerosis) of the
kidneys may lead to kidney failure in severe cases. Damage may progress without symptoms for months
or years; by the time symptoms appear, the course of the disorder may be irreversible.

What Causes Chronic Glomerulonephritis?

The specific cause of most cases of chronic glomerulonephritis is unknown.

Viral infections, such as hepatitis B or C and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), may lead to
chronic glomerulonephritis.

Autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or other causes of vasculitis

(inflammation of small blood vessels) may cause chronic glomerulonephritis.

Acute glomerulonephritis may, after a symptom-less period of many years, reappear as chronic
glomerulonephritis.

Symptoms of Chronic Glomerulonephritis

Blood or protein in the urine may be found on routine urinalysis

Facial [uffiness in the morning

Swelling of the legs or ankles or other parts of the body, due to fluid accumulation (edema)
 Shortness of breath during exertion due to anemia

Headache or other symptoms of high blood pressure

In severe cases, symptoms of kidney failure, including fatigue; seizures; nausea and vomiting; loss of
appetite; overall itching; headache; easy bruising; frequent hiccups or bleeding; and impaired vision

Increased pigmentation of the skin

Abdominal pain

Chronic Glomerulonephritis Prevention

There is no known way to prevent chronic glomerulonephritis.

Diagnosis of Chronic Glomerulonephritis

Patient history and physical examination

Blood and urine tests

Chest x-ray to show fluid overload.

An ultrasound study of the kidneys may be performed to evaluate the size of the kidneys.

A kidney biopsy may be performed. Under local anesthesia, the doctor inserts a needle into the kidney
through the back to extract a small sample of tissue.

Computed tomography (CT) scan or abdominal ultrasound can