Acute nephritic syndrome

Alternative Names

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation. Hospitalization is required for diagnosis and treatment of many forms of acute nephritic syndrome. The cause must be identified and treated. This may include antibiotics or other medications or treatment.

Bedrest may be recommended. The diet may include restriction of salt, fluids, and potassium. Medications to control high blood pressure may be prescribed. Corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory medications may be used to reduce inflammation.

Other treatment of acute kidney failure may be appropriate.

Support Groups

For information and support, see kidney disease support groups.

Outlook (Prognosis)

The outlook depends on the disease responsible for the nephritis. When improvement occurs, symptoms associated with fluid retention (such as swelling and cough) and high blood pressure may go away in 1 or 2 weeks. However, urine tests take months to return to normal.

Children tend to do better than adults and usually recover completely. Only rarely do they develop complications or progress to chronic glomerulonephritis.

Adults do not recover quite as well or as rapidly as children. Although recurrence is unusual, at least one-third of adults whose acute nephritic syndrome recurs will eventually develop end-stage kidney disease.

Possible Complications

• Acute kidney failure
• Chronic kidney failure
• End-stage kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• Congestive heart failure
• Pulmonary edema
• Chronic glomerulonephritis
• Nephrotic syndrome

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of acute nephritic syndrome.