In: Anatomy and Physiology
A combination of nephrotoxic drugs and metformin contributed to Sharon’s rapid decline. Glomerulonephritis is characterized by inflammation of the glomerulus, leading to increased vascular permeability. Describe how glomerulonephritis will impact the process of filtration in the nephron. What is the impact on GFR? Predict blood and urine albumin levels, and discuss how glomerulonephritis will impact fluid and nutrient exchange in systemic capillaries. How does this cause edema in many patients with glomerulonephritis?
Answer :)
Glomerulonephritis causes a reduction in the filtering process and hence decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It is because a fall in GFR is accredited to drops in the filtering surface area, and possibly the Kf i.e. glomerular capillary ultrafiltration coefficient, which can result from irreversible structural damage, reversible mesangial cell (MC) contraction, or a combination of both.
Due to glomerulonephritis, waste and electrolytes build up in the blood. Therefore, blood volume is increased in this condition. Due to fluid retention, the urine volume is decreased.
Acute glomerulonephritis causes heart failure due to significant hypertension. Blood volume is increased in glomerulonephritis patients and that causes pressure on the systemic capillaries to filter more blood.
Due to increased blood volume, fluid retention occurs in the area around blood vessels. This causes edema.