In the clinical setting, the diagnosis of nephritic syndrome is often complicated by the presence of multiple comorbidities. Symptoms of the disease include severe oliguria, azotemia, and dysmorphic red blood cells (RBCs). If urine samples reveal abnormal acanthocytes, a symptom of glomerular inflammation, supportive treatment should be started. Evaluation tests should be conducted to confirm the diagnosis. The multidisciplinary approach to the management of nephritic syndrome includes close monitoring of the progression of the disease.
If the patient’s symptoms are consistent with nephritic syndrome, they must also have at least one of the following: hematuria, hypertension, oliguria, or edema. Other symptoms may indicate primary or secondary renal disease, including glomerular nephropathy. A complete diagnosis of nephrotic syndrome requires testing and a kidney biopsy.
Medications for nephritic syndrome will be tailored to the patient’s condition. In the case of primary nephritic syndrome, blood pressure medications like angiotensin II receptor blockers will help to reduce the protein in the urine. Patients may also be prescribed diuretics or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEII) to control blood pressure and to reduce protein in the urine. Some doctors may recommend immune-suppressants, such as corticosteroids.
During the evaluation of nephritic syndrome, blood tests will determine whether the symptoms are due to systemic disease. Blood tests are also useful for determining the kidney’s filtering abilities. The doctor may perform urine tests and a kidney biopsy to rule out other conditions. For patients with proteinuria and blood urea nitrogen levels, a urine biopsy may be performed. This test will identify if the kidney is malfunctioning.
