Question 1

What is Proliferative Glomerulonephritis?

Accepted Answer

Proliferative glomerulonephritis is a serious kidney condition characterized by inflammation and abnormal cell proliferation within the glomeruli, the kidney's filtering units. It is caused by autoimmune processes where the immune system attacks kidney tissue, leading to progressive damage and potential kidney failure. The PCNA Antibody IFA test is the most important blood test for monitoring disease activity and autoimmune involvement in proliferative glomerulonephritis.

Question 2

What causes proliferative glomerulonephritis?

Accepted Answer

Proliferative glomerulonephritis is caused by autoimmune disorders where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the glomeruli in the kidneys. Common triggers include infections like streptococcal bacteria, autoimmune diseases such as lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), IgA nephropathy, and conditions like post-infectious glomerulonephritis. The immune system produces antibodies that deposit in the kidney's filtering units, causing inflammation, cell proliferation, and progressive damage that can impair kidney function and lead to chronic kidney disease if left untreated.

Question 3

What is the best test for proliferative glomerulonephritis?

Accepted Answer

The PCNA Antibody IFA test is the most important blood test for proliferative glomerulonephritis because it detects antibodies against Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen, which indicates active autoimmune activity affecting the kidneys. Elevated PCNA antibody levels suggest ongoing inflammation and abnormal cell proliferation within the glomeruli, helping doctors monitor disease progression and treatment effectiveness. While a kidney biopsy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis, the PCNA Antibody test provides crucial information about autoimmune involvement and disease activity without invasive procedures. Additional tests like complement levels (C3, C4), anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), and kidney function panels may also be ordered to provide a comprehensive assessment.

Question 4

When should I get tested for proliferative glomerulonephritis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you notice dark or cola-colored urine, persistent foamy urine indicating protein loss, unexplained swelling in your face, hands, feet, or abdomen, or high blood pressure that develops suddenly. Testing is also important if you have a history of recent infections like strep throat, autoimmune diseases like lupus, or a family history of kidney disease. Early detection through blood testing can help prevent permanent kidney damage and guide timely treatment decisions before the condition progresses to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of proliferative glomerulonephritis?

Accepted Answer

Proliferative glomerulonephritis causes symptoms including dark, cola-colored, or pink-tinged urine from blood in the urine, persistent foamy or bubbly urine from excess protein, and noticeable swelling in the face, especially around the eyes, as well as in the hands, feet, and ankles. You might experience fatigue, high blood pressure, reduced urine output, and shortness of breath due to fluid retention. Some people develop abdominal pain, joint pain, or skin rashes, particularly if the condition is related to an underlying autoimmune disorder like lupus.

Question 6

Who is at risk for proliferative glomerulonephritis?

Accepted Answer

People with autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis, or IgA nephropathy are at higher risk for developing proliferative glomerulonephritis. Those who recently had bacterial or viral infections, particularly streptococcal throat or skin infections, face increased risk. Additional risk factors include a family history of kidney disease, previous episodes of glomerulonephritis, hepatitis B or C infections, and certain genetic predispositions. Men and individuals between ages 5-15 or over 60 have higher susceptibility, though the condition can occur at any age.

Question 7

What happens if proliferative glomerulonephritis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated proliferative glomerulonephritis leads to progressive kidney damage and chronic kidney disease as the glomeruli become increasingly scarred and unable to filter blood effectively. This progression can result in end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation. Complications include persistent high blood pressure that damages other organs like the heart and brain, severe fluid retention causing pulmonary edema and breathing difficulties, dangerous electrolyte imbalances, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The condition can also cause permanent protein loss, weakening the immune system and increasing infection risk.

Question 8

Can proliferative glomerulonephritis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot definitively diagnose proliferative glomerulonephritis on their own, but they provide essential information about disease activity and autoimmune involvement. The PCNA Antibody IFA test measures autoimmune activity specifically related to cell proliferation in the kidneys, while other blood tests assess kidney function, complement levels, and various autoantibodies. A kidney biopsy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis, as it allows doctors to examine kidney tissue under a microscope and determine the specific type and severity of glomerulonephritis. Blood tests are crucial for monitoring disease progression and treatment response over time.

Question 9

How is proliferative glomerulonephritis treated?

Accepted Answer

Proliferative glomerulonephritis is treated with immunosuppressive medications like corticosteroids (prednisone) to reduce inflammation and suppress the autoimmune response attacking the kidneys. Doctors may prescribe additional immunosuppressants such as cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, or rituximab for more severe cases. Treatment includes blood pressure medications (ACE inhibitors or ARBs) to protect kidney function, diuretics to reduce swelling, and dietary modifications limiting salt and protein intake. If an underlying infection triggered the condition, antibiotics are used. Regular monitoring with blood tests and urine analysis helps adjust treatment and prevent progression to kidney failure.

Question 10

How can I prevent proliferative glomerulonephritis?

Accepted Answer

Prevention focuses on promptly treating infections that can trigger glomerulonephritis, especially streptococcal throat and skin infections with appropriate antibiotics. If you have an autoimmune disease like lupus, work closely with your doctor to manage the condition effectively and prevent kidney involvement. Maintain good overall health through a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels if you have hypertension or diabetes, as these conditions increase kidney disease risk. Regular medical checkups and urine tests can detect early signs of kidney problems before they progress to serious glomerulonephritis.

Question 11

What can I do at home for proliferative glomerulonephritis?

Accepted Answer

At home, reduce salt intake to help control blood pressure and minimize swelling, aiming for less than 2,000 mg of sodium daily. Stay well-hydrated but follow your doctor's fluid recommendations, as some cases require fluid restriction. Eat a kidney-friendly diet with moderate protein levels as advised by your healthcare provider, and avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen that can worsen kidney damage. Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home, get adequate rest to support your immune system, and keep a symptom diary tracking urine changes, swelling, and energy levels to share with your doctor at follow-up appointments.

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

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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

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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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Proliferative Glomerulonephritis Blood Test

What is Proliferative Glomerulonephritis?

What causes proliferative glomerulonephritis?

What is the best test for proliferative glomerulonephritis?

When should I get tested for proliferative glomerulonephritis?

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