Glomerulonephritis
Conditions We Treat
Glomerulonephritis
Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the kidney's filtering units — often autoimmune in origin. Accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment are essential.
What is glomerulonephritis?
Glomerulonephritis (GN) is inflammation of the glomeruli — the tiny filtering units within the kidney. It can be acute (developing suddenly) or chronic (developing gradually over years). GN can cause hematuria (blood in the urine), proteinuria, hypertension, and progressive kidney failure.
GN is most commonly caused by immune system dysfunction. The immune system produces antibodies that mistakenly attack the glomeruli, either directly or by depositing immune complexes that trigger inflammation. Common forms include IgA nephropathy (the most common worldwide), lupus nephritis, anti-GBM disease (Goodpasture syndrome), ANCA-associated vasculitis, and membranoproliferative GN.
Diagnosis requires a kidney biopsy. Treatment depends on the specific type and severity — ranging from close monitoring for mild IgA nephropathy to aggressive immunosuppression for rapidly progressive GN. Delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in permanent kidney damage.
Common Types
How we approach glomerulonephritis
Kidney biopsy for definitive diagnosis
GN cannot be diagnosed without a biopsy. We perform kidney biopsies under ultrasound guidance and interpret results in the context of the full clinical picture.
Immunosuppressive therapy
Most forms of GN require immunosuppression — corticosteroids, cyclophosphamide, rituximab, mycophenolate, or calcineurin inhibitors. We select regimens based on the specific diagnosis and disease severity.
Rapidly progressive GN — urgent treatment
RPGN can destroy kidney function within days to weeks. We treat it as a medical emergency — with pulse steroids and plasmapheresis when indicated — to preserve as much function as possible.
Long-term monitoring
GN can relapse. We monitor urine protein, hematuria, and kidney function closely and adjust treatment at the first sign of recurrence.
Frequently asked questions
What is glomerulonephritis?
Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomeruli — the tiny filtering units within the kidney. It can cause blood and protein in the urine, high blood pressure, and progressive kidney failure. It is most commonly caused by immune system dysfunction.
What causes glomerulonephritis?
Most GN is caused by the immune system attacking the glomeruli, either directly or through immune complex deposition. Common causes include IgA nephropathy, lupus, ANCA-associated vasculitis, and anti-GBM disease. Some cases follow infections.
How is glomerulonephritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis requires a kidney biopsy. Blood and urine tests can suggest GN, but only a biopsy can identify the specific type — which is essential for choosing the right treatment.
Is glomerulonephritis treatable?
Many forms of GN respond well to treatment. IgA nephropathy may be managed conservatively in mild cases. Lupus nephritis, ANCA vasculitis, and anti-GBM disease require aggressive immunosuppression. Early treatment leads to better outcomes.
Related conditions
Glomerulonephritis requires urgent specialist evaluation.
Our nephrologists diagnose and treat all forms of glomerular disease. Accepting new patients in Newport Beach.