HRB – KEDS funded
Fact Sheet
Glomerular disease
Written by Danielle Nicholson
Glomerular disease reduces the ability of the kidneys to maintain a
healthy balance of substances in the bloodstream. Kidneys are designed
to filter toxic substances from the blood and excrete them in urine while
maintaining red blood cells and protein in the bloodstream. In glomerular
disease, red blood cells and protein may be excreted into the urine and
toxins may stay in the bloodstream.
Often detected in a urine test performed for other
reasons, the signs and symptoms of glomerular
disease depend upon the cause and include:
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A urinalysis may show red blood cells (normally not
present)
Urine may be discoloured
Excess protein in the urine (proteinuria) can cause
urine to appear foamy
Elevated blood pressure ( >140/ 90 mmHg)
Fluid retention in hands, face, feet and/or abdomen
(edema)
Fatigue
Diagnosis
Urine tests show red and white blood cells, and
albumin which if high indicates increased protein
levels (suggesting glomerular damage).
Blood tests measure the level of creatinine, blood
urea nitrogen (BUN) which elevate when kidneys
are not filtering properly and eGFR- estimated
glomerular filtration rate, a measure of kidney
function.
Ultrasound is recommended if glomerular
disease is suspected, to rule out other causes of
blood in the urine and/or decreased kidney
function. This measures the kidney size which can
be a baseline for disease progression.
A kidney biopsy is used to definitively determine
the cause of glomerular disease.
Did you know?
Glomerular disease can affect people of all ages and can occur in
otherwise healthy people. This diagnosis often comes as a surprise.
Glomerular disease
Written by Danielle Nicholson
HRB – KEDS funded
Fact Sheet
Three clinical presentations of
glomerular disease:
1. Blood in the urine without significant
impairment of kidney function or
proteinuria is called Focal
Glomerulonephritis. Patients may be
asymptomatic and this may go undetected.
2. Persons with Diffuse Glomerolonephritis
have hematuria (blood in urine) with
impaired kidney function and proteinuria.
Patients may have swelling in the lower
legs or high blood pressure.
The pictures above show a normal (left) and
a diseased (right) glomerulus. The
glomerulus is a tight knot of capillaries. Here
wastes, nutrients, water and blood are
filtered.
Did you know?
3. Protein in the urine with little to no blood
indicates Nephrotic syndrome. Kidney
function may worsen as nephrotic
syndrome progresses.
Dialysis is not a cure for
glomerular disease. This lifesaving, blood-filtering process is
expensive and comes with severe
dietary and lifestyle restrictions.
Complications of glomerular disease include high blood pressure, acute
kidney failure and chronic kidney failure. These complications have
severe effects on health.
 The build-up of waste products and excess fluid in the blood can
result in high blood pressure. Medication may be needed to
reduce blood pressure and curb further damage to the kidneys.
 Sudden onset acute kidney failure is more prevalent in cases of
diffuse nephritic disease since the glomeruli are unable to filter
blood sufficiently. Waste products and excess fluid accumulate
in the bloodstream quickly, and in some cases hemodialysis may
be needed to remove the build- up. In some cases this is
temporary and the kidney function recovers. It may be long term
if the kidneys are permanently damaged.
 Dialysis or kidney transplantation may be needed if the kidney
function worsens to chronic kidney failure.