What are some laboratory results you may find in a child who has acute Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis?
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Infections
in the throat or on the skin can sometimes cause short term kidney disease in children. This happens when the immune system, which fights off infection, also attacks the kidneys during that fight. This can damage the kidneys and make them less able to filter blood until healing is complete. Why common infections sometimes cause kidneyproblems in childrenThe kidneys have about one million tiny units that filter our blood and remove wastes from the body through the urine. Each of these units has a glomerulus (more than one of these structures are called glomeruli). Sometimes the glomeruli become swollen or inflamed, causing glomerulonephritis (glow-mare-u-low-nef-ry-tis) soon after an infection. This is called post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN). PIGN can be caused by different kinds of germs, including bacteria and viruses. The most common type of PIGN is caused by a type of bacteria called streptococcus (strep). Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis most often affects children 1-2 weeks after a streptococcal throat infection (“strep throat"). Less often, it can happen 3-6 weeks after a streptococcal skin infection. Children between 5-12 years old get it most often. What are the common symptoms and lab results in a child with PIGN?
How is PIGN diagnosed?Your child's doctor will do a complete physical exam, which includes taking their blood pressure. Your child's urine and blood will also be tested. The diagnosis is often easy to make based on the child's symptoms and results from blood and urine tests. Rarely, if symptoms get worse or the diagnosis is not certain, a kidney biopsy might be recommended. What is the treatment for PIGN?In very mild cases, no treatment is needed. Children are often asked to eat less salt until the PIGN gets better and the kidneys heal. Medicine may be needed to treat the symptoms (such as high blood pressure or swelling). A child with very high blood pressure or severe swelling may need to go into the hospital for monitoring and to get medicine by mouth or through a needle in a vein (intravenous). Severe acute kidney injury is very rare in PIGN, but when it happens, short-term dialysis treatment may be needed. How soon do children usually recover from PIGN?Most symptoms of PIGN get better within 1-2 weeks, but small amounts of blood may still be found in the urine for many months. Your doctor may recommend a few follow-up visits. Repeat blood testing is usually needed at least once. Most children have a complete recovery of their kidney function. RememberTalk with your pediatrician if your child has symptoms such as peeing less than usual, blood or rust-colored urine, and swelling and joint pain, especially after an infection. More InformationLast Updated6/8/2020SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, American Society of Pediatric Nephrology and the National Kidney Foundation Patient Education Collaborative (Copyright © 2020)The information contained on this Web site should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Which laboratory test is typical for acute post streptococcal glomerulonephritis?Recent poststreptococcal infection is most commonly demonstrated by serologic markers for elevated antibodies to extracellular streptococcal antigens. The streptozyme test, which measures 5 different streptococcal antibodies, is positive in more than 95% of patients with APSGN due to pharyngitis.
Which of the following laboratory findings is most consistent with Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis?The most consistent and classic diagnostic finding is the presence of glomerular subepithelial electron-dense immune-type deposits, often referred to as humps (see the image below). The deposits are discrete and are commonly found on the part of the glomerular basement membrane overlying the mesangium.
Which are common clinical manifestations of acute Poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis?Clinical features. Edema (often pronounced facial and orbital edema, especially on arising in the morning). Hypertension.. Proteinuria.. Macroscopic hematuria, with urine appearing dark, reddish-brown.. Complaints of lethargy, generalized weakness, or anorexia.. What blood test will confirm glomerulonephritis?If a healthcare provider suspects you have glomerulonephritis, you may have the following tests: Urine test: This test will determine if you have protein or blood in your urine. Blood test: This test will measure the level of creatinine (waste product filtered by the kidneys) in a sample of your blood.
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