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GLOMERULONEPHRITIS

(GN)

Are group of diseases of inflammatory or non-inflammatory nature

involving the renal glomeruli.

PATHOGENESIS OF GLOMERULONEPHRITIS:

Many pathogenic mechanisms are responsible for the development

of glomerular injury. These mechanisms are:

I. Immunologic mechanisms II. Metabolic abnormalities

III. Hyperfiltration injury IV. Hereditary abnormalities

I. Immunologic Mechanisms:

Most of the cases of glomerulonephritis encountered in clinical

practice are secondary to immunologic attack affecting the renal

glomeruli. This attack usually occurs in genetically predisposed person

after exposure to toxin or an infection. This will provocate the immune

system to attack the glomerular structures. This could be through the

formation of antibodies or through a cell mediated glomerular injury.

II- Metabolic Abnormalities: See diabetic nephropathy, gouty nephropathy
and renal amyloidosis.

III- Hyperfiltration injury: See diabetic nephropathy.

IV- Hereditary Abnormalities: See Alport's Syndrome.

CLASSIFICATION OF GLOMERULONEPHRITIS: