Primary Glomerular Disorders That Can Cause Glomerulonephritis
Primary Glomerular Disorders That Can Cause Glomerulonephritis
Disorder | Description | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|
Fibrillary glomerulonephritis | In this rare disease, abnormal proteins are deposited around the glomerulus. It may also cause nephrotic syndrome. | The prognosis is poor. A severe decline in kidney function (end-stage kidney failure) occurs in half of people within 4 years. It is not clear whether treatment (with corticosteroids and immunosuppressants) helps. |
Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy | The most common form of glomerulonephritis in the world is caused by immune complexes (combinations of antigens and antibodies) deposited in the kidneys. | Usually the disorder progresses slowly. End-stage kidney failure develops in about 25% of people after 20 years. The disorder progresses more slowly in children. |
Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis | This uncommon type of glomerulonephritis occurs primarily between the ages of 8 and 30. The disorder is caused by immune complexes (combinations of antigens and antibodies) attaching to the kidneys, but sometimes why the complexes attach to the kidneys is unknown. | If the cause is known and can be treated, a partial remission may occur. The outcome is not as good in people in whom the cause remains unknown. About half of people progress to end-stage kidney failure within 10 years, and 90% within 20 years. |
Primary rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis | This group of disorders causes microscopic damage to the glomeruli and progress rapidly. Sometimes they are caused by an infection or other treatable disorder. Kidney biopsy is required for diagnosis. | The prognosis is poor. At least 80% of people who are not treated develop end-stage kidney failure within 6 months. The prognosis is better for people younger than 60 years and when an underlying disorder causing the glomerulonephritis responds to treatment. With treatment, 43% of people develop end-stage kidney disease within 12 months. |