Post-streptococcal GN

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Kidney anatomy

Post-streptococcal GN is a disorder of the kidneys. It involves inflammation of the glomeruli after infection with certain strains of the streptococcus bacterium.

Glomerulonephritis - post-streptococcal; Post-infectious glomerulonephritis

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is form of glomerulonephritis. It is the result of an infection, not of the kidneys, but of a completely different area, such as the skin or throat, with a specific type of Group A hemolytic streptococcus bacterium.

As a consequence of immune complexes (formed from streptococcal antigen, antibodies, and a substance called complement) becoming trapped in the glomeruli of the kidneys, the glomeruli become inflamed. This results in 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 (high blood pressure) is usually present.

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is uncommon these days because infections that can make a person vulnerable to the disorder are commonly treated with antibiotics. The disorder may develop 1-2 weeks after an untreated throat infection, or 3-4 weeks after a skin infection.

It may occur in people of any age, but most often occurs in children 6-10 years old. 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.

Review Date: 12/09/2005
Reviewed By: Colm C. Magee, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Renal Transplant, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.