Question

The clinical disorder “Glomerulonephritis“ represents a fundamental disturbance of the anatomic (structural) and/or functional (physiological) integrity of the human urinary tract.

-Introduce the clinical disorder and describe the impact it imposes to a community health.

Answer 1

Glomerulonephritis-

Glomerulonephritis refers to inflammation of glomerulus which is responsible for filtration of blood.

Glomerulus filters our blood to remove excess fluids, wastes etc. If it fails to do so there is accumulation of wastes, toxins and electrolytes. There are 2 types- Nephrotic and Nephritic.

In Nephrotic, kidney excretes protein while in Nephritic blood is released.

signs and symptoms -

• Hematuria
• Red cell casts in urine
• Azotemia
• Oliguria
• High blood pressure
• Oedema

Etiology-

• Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.
• Diseases like AIDS,. Hepatitis etc.
• Diabetic nephropathy
• High blood pressure
• Diseases like SLE.
• Bacterial endocarditis

Investigations-

• urine examination
• Blood examination
• Kidney biopsy
• USG of kidney

Complications-

• it can cause high BP and worsen it if already present.
• It can cause kidney failure as there is increased load on kidneys.

Treatment-

Supportive treatment in the form of dialysis and BP monitoring is done.

Effects on Community health

Incidence- 0.2-2.5/100,000 people/ year.

It usually exists subclinically so is often ignored .

It is found more in developing countries. Its incidence has decreased in developed countries.

Occurs more in males.

Mortality related to it depends on the cause and type of glomerulonephritis. If it is caused by infection then it can be cured by giving antibiotics etc.