Nephrology

Glomerular Disorders

Glomerular disease can occur by itself, or may be associated with an underlying medical condition that affects other organ systems, such as lupus, diabetes, or certain infections. Glomerular disease can develop suddenly or develop slowly over a period of years. Treatment of glomerular disease depends upon its cause and type. Many diseases affect kidney function by attacking the glomeruli, the tiny units within the kidney where blood is cleaned. Glomerular diseases include many conditions with a variety of genetic and environmental causes, but they fall into two major categories: Glomerulonephritis describes the inflammation of the membrane tissue in the kidney that serves as a filter, separating wastes and extra fluid from the blood. Glomerulosclerosis describes the scarring or hardening of the tiny blood vessels within the kidney.