Acute nephritic syndrome

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Kidney anatomy

Glomerulonephritis - acute; Acute glomerulonephritis; Nephritis syndrome - acute

The goal of treatment is to reduce glomerular inflammation. Hospitalization is required for diagnosis and treatment of many forms of acute nephritic syndrome. The cause must be identified and treated. This may include antibiotics or other medications or treatment.

Bedrest may be recommended. The diet may include restriction of salt, fluids, and potassium. Medications may include anti-hypertensive medications to control high blood pressure. Corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications may be used to reduce inflammation.

Other treatment of acute kidney failure may be appropriate.

For information and support, see kidney disease support groups.

The probable outcome is variable and depends on the disease responsible for the nephritis. When improvement occurs, symptoms associated with fluid retention (such as swelling and cough) and high blood pressure may resolve in a week or two, while urine tests take months to return to normal.

Children tend to do better than adults and usually recover completely. Only rarely do they develop complications or progress to chronic glomerulonephritis.

Adults do not recover quite as well or as rapidly as children. Although recurrence is unusual, at least one-third of adults whose acute nephritic syndrome recurs will eventually develop end-stage kidney disease.

• Acute kidney failure
• Chronic kidney failure
• End-stage kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• Congestive heart failure
• Pulmonary edema
• Chronic glomerulonephritis
• Nephrotic syndrome

Call your health care provider if symptoms that are suggestive of acute nephritic syndrome develop.

Review Date: 09/13/2005
Reviewed By: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.