MedVellum
MedVellum
Back to Library
Nephrology

Glomerulonephritis

High EvidenceUpdated: 2026-01-01

On This Page

Red Flags

  • Rapidly progressive GN (RPGN)
  • Pulmonary-renal syndrome
  • Nephrotic syndrome
Overview

Glomerulonephritis

1. Clinical Overview

Summary

Glomerulonephritis encompasses immune-mediated diseases affecting glomeruli. Presentation includes nephritic syndrome (haematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, oliguria, AKI) or nephrotic syndrome (heavy proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia, oedema). Primary causes include IgA nephropathy, minimal change disease, FSGS, and membranous nephropathy. Secondary causes include lupus nephritis, post-infectious GN, and ANCA-associated vasculitis. Diagnosis requires renal biopsy in most cases. Treatment depends on cause and may include steroids, immunosuppression, or plasma exchange for ANCA GN.

Key Facts

  • Classification: Nephritic vs nephrotic syndrome; Primary vs secondary
  • Diagnosis: Renal biopsy (gold standard)
  • Common causes: IgA nephropathy (most common primary), minimal change, FSGS, membranous

2. Syndromes
SyndromeFeatures
NephriticHaematuria, RBC casts, mild proteinuria, AKI, HTN, oliguria
NephroticHeavy proteinuria (greater than 3.5g/day), hypoalbuminaemia, oedema, hyperlipidaemia

3. Key Causes
TypePresentationTreatment
IgA nephropathyNephritic, recurrent gross haematuriaACEi, steroids if progressive
Minimal changeNephrotic (children/adults)Steroids (responds well)
FSGSNephroticSteroids, immunosuppression
MembranousNephroticACEi, rituximab, steroids
ANCA vasculitisRPGNCyclophosphamide/rituximab + steroids
Lupus nephritisVariableMMF or cyclophosphamide

4. References
  1. KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Glomerulonephritis. 2021.

Last Reviewed: 2026-01-01 | MedVellum Editorial Team

Last updated: 2026-01-01

At a Glance

EvidenceHigh
Last Updated2026-01-01

Red Flags

  • Rapidly progressive GN (RPGN)
  • Pulmonary-renal syndrome
  • Nephrotic syndrome

Guidelines

  • NICE Guidelines
  • BTS Guidelines
  • RCUK Guidelines