Nephritis Health Dictionary

Nephritis: From 7 Different Sources


Inflammation of 1 or both kidneys. Nephritis may be caused by an infection (see pyelonephritis), abnormal responses of the immune system (see glomerulonephritis), or metabolic disorders, such as gout.
Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association
In?ammation of the kidneys. (See KIDNEYS, DISEASES OF – Glomerulonephritis.)
Health Source: Herbal Medical
Author: Health Dictionary
Inflammation or infection of the kidneys, as opposed to lower urinary tract inflammations such as cystitis or urethritis, which are usually comparatively mild. Nephritis can be a far more serious condition, and usually requires medical care.
Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary
(Bright’s disease) n. inflammation of the kidney. Nephritis is a nonspecific term used to describe a condition resulting from a variety of causes. See glomerulonephritis.
Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Interstitial Nephritis

disease of the *tubulointerstitium of the kidney. Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) represents in many cases an allergic reaction to drugs (especially ampicillin, cephalexin, NSAIDs, allopurinol, and frusemide). AIN can also be associated with acute infections and autoimmune disease. Thirst and polyuria may be prominent, and renal function severely affected. In allergic cases, the use of steroids hastens recovery after the allergen has been removed. Chronic interstitial nephritis (CIN) is associated with progressive scarring of the tubulointerstitium, often with lymphocyte infiltration. Primary causes of CIN include gout, radiation nephropathy, sarcoidosis, *analgesic nephropathy, reflux nephropathy, chronic hypokalaemia and hypercalcaemia, and *Aristolochia-associated nephropathies. Management of CIN involves removal of the precipitating cause, where identified, and control of hypertension.... interstitial nephritis

Lupus Nephritis

a frequent and serious complication of systemic *lupus erythematosus (SLE). The 2002 WHO/ISN/RPS classification of lupus nephritis recognizes six classes: class I is the presence of mesangial deposits (see juxtaglomerular apparatus) seen on immunofluorescence and/or electron microscopy; class II is the presence of mesangial deposits and mesangial hypercellularity; class III is focal and segmental *glomerulonephritis; class IV is diffuse segmental or global nephritis; class V is *membranous nephropathy; and class VI is advanced sclerotic glomerulonephritis. Untreated, outcomes are poor in classes III and IV, but much improved with immunosuppressant treatment.... lupus nephritis

Shunt Nephritis

nephritis associated with infected indwelling shunts. The infection is usually with staphylococci (S. epidermidis) and patients present with anorexia, malaise, arthralgia, and low-grade fever. Purpura, anaemia, and hepatosplenomegaly may be found and urine analysis shows heavy proteinuria, often with a *nephrotic syndrome and haematuria. Treatment usually involves removal of the infected shunt as well as antibiotics.... shunt nephritis



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