Glomerular Diseases: Nephrotic and Nephritic Syndromes PDF

Here is an overview of **glomerular diseases** with a focus on **nephrotic syndrome, nephritic syndrome**, and related conditions. ### **A. Distinguishing Nephrotic Syndrome from Nephritic Syndrome** #### a. **Nephrotic Syndrome** - **Clinical manifestations**: - **Edema**: Periorbital edema in...

Here is an overview of **glomerular diseases** with a focus on **nephrotic syndrome, nephritic syndrome**, and related conditions. ### **A. Distinguishing Nephrotic Syndrome from Nephritic Syndrome** #### a. **Nephrotic Syndrome** - **Clinical manifestations**: - **Edema**: Periorbital edema in the morning, lower extremity edema later in the day due to hypoalbuminemia. - **Proteinuria**: >3.5 g/day, a hallmark of nephrotic syndrome. - **Hypoalbuminemia**: Due to protein loss in the urine. - **Hyperlipidemia**: Increased hepatic synthesis of lipoproteins as a compensatory response to low albumin. - **Other features**: Possible lipiduria (fatty casts or oval fat bodies in the urine). #### b. **Nephritic Syndrome** - **Clinical features**: - **Hematuria**: Often microscopic but can be gross, with **dysmorphic RBCs** or **RBC casts** in the urine, indicating glomerular bleeding. - **Hypertension**: Due to salt and water retention. - **Renal impairment**: Increased serum creatinine and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). - **Other signs**: Proteinuria (less severe than nephrotic), oliguria, and possibly mild edema. #### c. **Key Differences Between Nephrotic and Nephritic Syndromes** - **Nephrotic Syndrome**: - Primary features: **Severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and edema**. - Minimal hematuria. - No or mild hypertension. - Common causes: Minimal change disease, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous nephropathy. - **Nephritic Syndrome**: - Primary features: **Hematuria, hypertension, and renal impairment**. - Moderate proteinuria (typically