Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis

Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is the term used to describe severe inflammation of the glomeruli (filtering units) of the kidney. This may be the result of various diseases, and generally leads to the development of kidney failure within a few months, requiring dialysis or transplantation. Fortunately, many cases improve when treated with the appropriate drugs. This book outlines the major types of RPGN, and describes what is known of the underlying disease mechanisms. Most of these are due to an imbalance in the immune system, such that it attacks the patient's own kidneys - this is known as "autoimmunity". Knowledge of these immune abnormalities helps in the diagnosis and treatment of RPGN. The rapid advances in this field should offer hope to an increasing number of patients.