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Is Nephritic Syndrome A Symptom Of An Auto Immune Disease?

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Posted on Tue, 23 Dec 2014
Question: Hi my son has recently had an episode of unexplained nephritis. He c3 complement came back at 84 1 wk after episode and low c4 and then bloods redone 4 weeks later after episode with c3 at 79 but c4 back yo normal. Is this likely he has an auto immune disease?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
most common mechanism of PSGN is an autoimmune event

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Glomerulonephritis or nephritic syndrome is characterized by edema, high blood pressure, and the presence of red blood cells in the urine.

The mechanism most commonly is due to an autoimmune event, vasculitis or circulating antibodies. It could be due to any infection and is not solely limited to the strep throat.

Though the history description shows the case to be of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, to get the exact diagnosis in glomerulonephritis a Kidney biopsy showing humps on electron microscopy would be needed but if clinical data points towards PSGN and patient responds to the supportive care then a biopsy isn't routinely performed. ASO, AHT and Complement levels are correlated and supportive care is initiated.

Most cases recover spontaneously and mainly require management for fluid overload and hypertension to monitor it and keep them under control. Antibiotics should be given to eradicate the organisms from the pharynx.

If the nephritis persists or worsen then workup for other autoimmune causes such as SLE would require that a renal biopsy be done first before initiating any immunosuppressive treatments.

Let me know if you have any query

wishing you best of health

thanks
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 2906 Questions

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Is Nephritic Syndrome A Symptom Of An Auto Immune Disease?

Brief Answer: most common mechanism of PSGN is an autoimmune event Detailed Answer: Hello and Welcome I appreciate your concern Glomerulonephritis or nephritic syndrome is characterized by edema, high blood pressure, and the presence of red blood cells in the urine. The mechanism most commonly is due to an autoimmune event, vasculitis or circulating antibodies. It could be due to any infection and is not solely limited to the strep throat. Though the history description shows the case to be of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, to get the exact diagnosis in glomerulonephritis a Kidney biopsy showing humps on electron microscopy would be needed but if clinical data points towards PSGN and patient responds to the supportive care then a biopsy isn't routinely performed. ASO, AHT and Complement levels are correlated and supportive care is initiated. Most cases recover spontaneously and mainly require management for fluid overload and hypertension to monitor it and keep them under control. Antibiotics should be given to eradicate the organisms from the pharynx. If the nephritis persists or worsen then workup for other autoimmune causes such as SLE would require that a renal biopsy be done first before initiating any immunosuppressive treatments. Let me know if you have any query wishing you best of health thanks