GLOMERULONEPHRITIS

Glomerulonephritis means inflammation of the filtration units within the kidneys. The presenting features vary markedly from protein in the urine (proteinuria) or blood in the urine (haematuria) detectible with a microscope to visibly blood stained urine. More severe forms of glomerulonephritis may be associated with generalised swelling, hypertension and kidney failure. In many cases the diagnosis can only be determined with a kidney biopsy. The doctor will explain the risks associated with renal biopsy before obtaining written consent.

If you are on blood thinning medication such as aspirin or warfarin you must notify your doctor at least one week prior to the biopsy.

In some cases the biopsy may be performed as a day procedure but in patients who are at greater risk of post kidney biopsy complications an overnight stay in hospital with be arranged. The kidney biopsy is performed in the X-ray department using ultrasound. Local anaesthetic is first injected into the back and then a piece of kidney, the size of a match head, is removed with a biopsy needle. After the biopsy some patients experience discomfort or bleeding into the urine or around the kidney. The kidney biopsy is immediately sent to the pathologist for a detailed examination. Preliminary results are available within 24-48 hours and the complete report in 1-2 weeks. The common causes are IgA nephropathy, Membranous, Focal glomerulosclerosis & hyalinosis, systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), vasculitis, post-infectious and mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis In many cases glomerulonephritis does not require treatment but the more severe forms may require therapy to dampen the immune system and prevent progressive kidney damage.