Question 1

What is Nephritic Syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Nephritic syndrome is a kidney condition characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli (the kidney's filtering units), leading to blood in the urine, protein loss, and high blood pressure. It is caused by immune complex formation that damages kidney tissue, often triggered by infections like streptococcal bacteria or autoimmune disorders. The Complement Component C3c test is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures immune system activity and complement consumption during kidney inflammation.

Question 2

What causes nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Nephritic syndrome is caused by inflammation of the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units in your kidneys. This inflammation is typically triggered by immune complex formation following infections like streptococcal throat or skin infections, or by autoimmune conditions where your immune system mistakenly attacks kidney tissue. Post-infectious glomerulonephritis from Streptococcus bacteria is one of the most common causes, especially in children, while conditions like lupus nephritis and IgA nephropathy can also trigger nephritic syndrome in adults.

Question 3

What is the best test for nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

The Complement Component C3c test is the most important test for nephritic syndrome because it measures immune system activity and complement consumption during kidney inflammation. When your kidneys are inflamed, immune complexes form and consume complement proteins like C3c, causing levels to drop significantly. Low C3c levels indicate active immune-mediated kidney damage and help doctors identify the specific type of glomerulonephritis you may have. This test is essential for assessing disease severity, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring how well your kidneys respond to therapy over time.

Question 4

When should I get tested for nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice cola-colored or pink urine indicating blood, sudden swelling in your face, hands, or feet, unexplained high blood pressure, or reduced urination. Testing is especially important if you recently had a throat infection or skin infection and now have these symptoms, as post-infectious glomerulonephritis can develop 1-3 weeks after infection. You should also get tested if you have persistent foamy urine, unexplained fatigue, or a family history of kidney disease, as early detection can prevent permanent kidney damage.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Nephritic syndrome causes visible blood in the urine that appears dark brown or cola-colored, facial swelling especially around the eyes in the morning, and sudden high blood pressure with headaches. You might also notice decreased urine output, foamy or bubbly urine from protein loss, swelling in your hands and feet, and general fatigue or weakness. Some people experience mild flank pain in the kidney area, while children may have more obvious facial puffiness and lethargy that parents quickly notice.

Question 6

Who is at risk for nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Children between ages 5-15 who recently had strep throat or skin infections face the highest risk of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, the most common cause of nephritic syndrome. Adults with autoimmune diseases like lupus, IgA nephropathy, or vasculitis have increased risk of developing immune-mediated kidney inflammation. People with chronic infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV are also at higher risk, as are individuals with a family history of kidney disease or those who have experienced previous episodes of glomerulonephritis.

Question 7

What happens if nephritic syndrome is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated nephritic syndrome can progress to chronic kidney disease where your kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste from your blood. The persistent inflammation can cause permanent scarring of the glomeruli, leading to end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. You may also develop severe complications like uncontrolled high blood pressure that damages your heart and blood vessels, fluid overload causing pulmonary edema and breathing difficulties, and electrolyte imbalances that can be life-threatening. Early treatment is critical to preserve kidney function and prevent these serious outcomes.

Question 8

Can nephritic syndrome be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests are essential for diagnosing nephritic syndrome and identifying its underlying cause. The Complement C3c test reveals immune system involvement by showing decreased levels during active inflammation, while basic metabolic panels assess kidney function by measuring creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Additional blood tests check for streptococcal antibodies after throat infections, autoantibodies in lupus or vasculitis, and inflammatory markers like ESR and CRP. While urinalysis showing blood and protein is critical for diagnosis, blood tests provide crucial information about disease severity and guide appropriate treatment.

Question 9

How is nephritic syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, controlling blood pressure, and managing fluid retention while addressing the underlying cause. Doctors prescribe blood pressure medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs to protect kidney function, diuretics to reduce swelling and fluid buildup, and immunosuppressive medications like corticosteroids for autoimmune causes. If infection triggered the syndrome, antibiotics may be used to clear any remaining bacteria, though the kidney inflammation usually resolves on its own over several weeks. Severe cases may require hospitalization for close monitoring, dialysis support if kidney function drops critically, or plasma exchange therapy for rapidly progressive disease.

Question 10

How can I prevent nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Preventing nephritic syndrome starts with promptly treating streptococcal infections like strep throat with antibiotics to prevent post-infectious glomerulonephritis. Practice good hygiene including regular handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with people who have strep infections. If you have an autoimmune condition, work closely with your doctor to keep it well-controlled with appropriate medications and regular monitoring. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with controlled blood pressure, limited sodium intake, staying hydrated, and avoiding nephrotoxic medications also helps protect your kidneys from inflammatory damage.

Question 11

What can I do at home for nephritic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

At home, reduce sodium intake to less than 2 grams daily to minimize fluid retention and help control blood pressure. Limit fluid intake as directed by your doctor to prevent swelling, and monitor your weight daily to track fluid accumulation. Get adequate rest to help your body heal, and avoid nephrotoxic substances like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) and excessive protein intake that can stress inflamed kidneys. Track your urine output and appearance daily, and report any worsening symptoms like increased swelling, reduced urination, or breathing difficulties to your healthcare provider immediately, as these natural supportive measures should complement but never replace medical treatment.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
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Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
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Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
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Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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Nephritic Syndrome Blood Test

What is Nephritic Syndrome?

What causes nephritic syndrome?

What is the best test for nephritic syndrome?

When should I get tested for nephritic syndrome?

References

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