Membranous Nephropathy
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
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)
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)
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
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…
IgA Nephropathy
IgA nephropathy is a glomerulonephritis that is characterised by macroscopic haematuria. It is the most common cause of glomerulonephritis. The incidence peaks between 20 and 30 years, and is more common in men than women.
Post-streptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN)
Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is an acute nephritic syndrome caused by an immunological response to group A streptococcal (GAS) infection. It is the most common cause of acute nephritis in children. The incidence peaks between 6 and 15 years of age. Boys are affected…
Acid-Base Balance
Overview The normal body pH is 7.35-7.45 (average 7.40). This slightly alkaline pH optimises oxygen delivery to tissues, enzyme activity, protein function, and biochemical reactions. Carbon dioxide (CO2) – a major byproduct of aerobic respiration – plays a major role…
Blood Gas Analysis
Blood gas analysis evaluates oxygenation, ventilation, and acid-base status. It can be performed on arterial, venous, or capillary blood. Arterial blood gas (ABG) is the gold standard test for assessing partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and acid-base balance.…
Lupus Nephritis
Lupus nephritis is a severe manifestation of SLE that results in end-stage renal disease. WHO classification of Lupus Nephritis Class Description Nota bene Class I Normal kidneys Class II Mesangial glomerulonephritis Non-proliferative form Class III Focal and segmental proliferative glomerulonephritis Proliferative…