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Post-streptococcal GN

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Glomerulonephritis - post-streptococcal; Post-infectious glomerulonephritis

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. Treatment is focused on relief of symptoms.

Antibiotics, such as penicillin, should be used to destroy any streptococcal bacteria that remain in the body. Antihypertensive medications and diuretic medications may be needed to control swelling and high blood pressure. Corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory medications are generally not effective.

Dietary salt restriction may be necessary to control swelling and high blood pressure.

Expectations (prognosis):

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis usually goes away by itself after several weeks to months. In a minority of adults, it may progress to chronic renal failure.

Complications:

• Acute renal failure
• Hyperkalemia
• Nephrotic syndrome
• Chronic glomerulonephritis
• Chronic renal failure
• End-stage renal disease
• Hypertension
• Congestive heart failure or pulmonary edema

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms suggest post-streptococcal GN.

If you have experienced post-streptococcal GN, call your health care provider if decreased urine output or other new symptoms occur.

• Review Date: 12/9/2005
• Reviewed By: Colm C. Magee, MD, MPH, Medical Director, Renal Transplant, Brigham & Women's Hospital, and Assistant Professor, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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