Primary Glomerulonephritis
Alternate Names : GN
What are the treatments for the disease?
Treatments for primary GN are as follows:
ACE inhibitors, such as enalapril, lisinopril, or captopril
antibiotics for infection
bed rest to increase the blood flow to the kidneys and give the kidneys a chance to heal
chemotherapy for cancer related causes
corticosteroids, such as prednisone or dexamethasone
cytotoxic agents, which kill cancer cells
diuretics or water pills
hemodialysis, or hooking the person up to a machine that filters the blood
immunosuppressive medicines, which decrease the body's attack on the glomeruli
kidney transplant
a special diet for kidney disease
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Long-term use of corticosteroids can cause osteoporosis. Immunosuppressive and cytotoxic therapies can increase a person's risk of infections and cancer.
What happens after treatment for the disease?
Expectations for recovery vary according to the type and extent of the disease. If the cause is reversible and is treated, no further treatment may be required. A person can often return to normal activities. Treatment may be prolonged if the underlying cause cannot be fixed. Some individuals may develop chronic glomerulonephritis or kidney failure.
How is the disease monitored?
Someone who has primary GN will have regular visits with the healthcare provider. Blood pressure and kidney function will be monitored. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
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