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…
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) 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…
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…
Overview A 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 – oxygenation), partial pressure of carbon dioxide…
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…
Hypoaldosteronism causes poor sodium and water reabsorption leading to hypovolemic hyponatremia. It is commonly caused by Addison disease (autoimmune) and Waterhouse-Friderichsen Syndrome (infectious)
Renal artery stenosis is narrowing of the renal artery, commonly due to atherosclerotic disease (80% ) or bilateral fibromuscular dysplasia in young women.