Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is characterised by renal cysts, hepatic cysts, intracranial aneurysms and aortic root dilatation. It is the most common inherited disorder of the kidneys. It peaks between the ages of 30 and 40, and affects men and women…
Nephrotoxins are substances that damage the kidney tubules directly or indirectly. Indirect damage may be due to interstitial nephritis. Examples of nephrotoxins Category Examples Nota bene Analgesics NSAIDS, aspirin and paracetamol This is often silent until advanced CKD Antibiotics Aminoglycosides,…
Tubulointerstitial nephritis is inflammation of the tubules and interstitial spaces. Drug-induced interstitial nephritis is the most important cause. It can occur at any age and may develop even after prolonged exposure. Its incidence peaks between the years 60 and 70. Classification Classification…
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is a nephrotic syndrome that is characterised by abnormal scarring (sclerosis) of some glomeruli (focal nature). The sclerosis affects only parts of the glomerulus (segmental nature). It peaks between ages 20 and 30, and affects men more…
Minimal change disease is a nephrotic syndrome characterised by the absence of significant histological abnormalities on light microscopy, with podocyte effacement visible on electron microscopy. It peaks between ages 1 and 5, and affects boys and girls equally.
Membranous nephropathy is a nephrotic syndrome characterised by thickening of the glomerular basement membrane due to subepithelial immune complex deposition. It peaks between ages 50 and 60.
Alport syndrome is a genetic X-linked defect in type IV collagen that is characterised by glomerulonephritis, eye abnormalities, and sensorineural hearing loss. The average age of renal failure is between 30 and 40 years. Female carriers can also exhibit the phenotype, with…
Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a syndrome characterised by: The terms RPGN and crescenteric glomerulonephritis are used interchangeably. Classification of RPGN Type Mechanism Examples Type I Linear anti-GBM antibody deposition Anti-GBM disease, Goodpasture syndrome Type II Granular immune complex deposition Lupus nephritis,…
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) is characterised by mesangial cell proliferation, thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, and immune complex deposition. Classification of MPGN Classification Description Primary (immune complex-mediated) MPGN Type I: subendothelial immune complex deposition; Type III: Subendothelial and subepithelial immune complex deposition Secondary…
Goodpasture syndrome is an autoimmune condition where autoantibodies against the alpha-3 subunit of type IV collagen in the basement membranes of the lungs and kidneys are produced. This leads to small vessel vasculitis in the kidneys and lungs. The incidence peaks between…