Overview

Glomerular diseases, also known as glomerulopathies, encompass a range of conditions that impact the glomeruli: small kidney filters. These diseases can cause inflammation, impairment, or damage to the glomeruli, leading to issues with filtering urine and potentially resulting in kidney impairment or failure.

Common Causes of Glomerular Diseases

Glomerular diseases may occur due to several causes. Here are some of them -

- Infections: Certain infections can trigger glomerular diseases. For example, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis can occur following a streptococcal condition, such as strep throat or skin infections. Infections like hepatitis B and hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus, and bacterial endocarditis can lead to glomerular diseases.
- Autoimmune disorders: Conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and vasculitis can cause glomerular diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, including the glomeruli. This immune response leads to inflammation and damage to the keys.
- Medications: Some medications have been associated with glomerular diseases. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, certain antibiotics such as penicillin and rifampin and some immunosuppressive drugs used in organ transplantation like cyclosporine and tacrolimus can cause glomerular damage.
- Genetic and inherited disorders: Certain genetic and inherited conditions can lead to glomerular diseases. For example, Alport syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the collagen in the glomeruli, and Fabry disease, an inherited disorder causing the buildup of fatty substances in the kidneys, can result in glomerular disease.
- Systemic Diseases: These systemic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can affect the glomeruli and lead to glomerular diseases. Diabetes, especially when poorly treated or uncontrolled, can cause diabetic nephropathy, a type of glomerular disease characterised by high levels of blood sugar, which damages the kidney’s filtering units. Conditions like vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and certain vasculitides affect multiple organs, including the glomeruli.
- IgA Deposition: In IgA nephropathy, one of the most common glomerular diseases, an abnormal protein called immunoglobulin A accumulates in the glomeruli. The exact cause of this deposition is still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve abnormal immune responses triggered by different factors like infections or genetic predisposition.
- Unknown causes: In some cases, the exact cause of glomerular diseases remains unknown, and they are classified as idiopathic glomerulopathies.

Identifying the underlying cause of glomerular diseases is essential to guide appropriate treatment and management strategies. A thorough medical evaluation and diagnostic tests are necessary to determine the specific cause in each case.

When to consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Nephrology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Glomerular diseases can have various causes, leading to inflammation and damage to the glomeruli in the kidneys. These causes include infections, autoimmune disorders, medications, genetic and inherited disorders, systemic diseases, and the deposition of abnormal proteins like IgA. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Medical professionals use a comprehensive evaluation, including the medical history, laboratory tests and kidney biopsies if necessary, to identify the specific cause and tailor treatment plans accordingly.

Reference Links

- https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/understanding-glomerular-diseases
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/glomerulonephritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355705