Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN): Treatments & Causes

Rapid progressive glomerulonephritis is a condition characterized by acute damage to the glomeruli, structures inside the kidneys with responsibility for filtering fluids and waste from blood. Treatment for the disorder varies with its underlying cause.

The Facts

• According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the term rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis refers to any inflammation of the glomeruli that triggers ongoing loss of kidney function in a time frame of weeks or months.

Significance

• If left untreated, progressive glomerulonephritis may trigger end-stage kidney disease or kidney failure in less than six months.

Treatment Options

• Some individuals with glomerulonephritis benefit from plasmapheresis, an artificial cleansing procedure that removes irritating antibodies from the blood. Individuals with the glomerular membrane ailment Goodpasture's disease may benefit from medications that suppress immune function. Some individuals also benefit from corticosteroid treatments.

Additional Treatments

• Individuals who experience kidney failure may require kidney dialysis (artificial filtration of kidney wastes) or a kidney transplant.

Considerations

• In some individuals, the symptoms of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis disappear on their own.