User:Mr. Ibrahem/Crescentic glomerulonephritis

Crescentic glomerulonephritis, previously known as rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, is combination of a rapid decrease in kidney function, blood and protein in the urine, and specific findings on kidney biopsy. Other symptoms may include tiredness, joint pain, fever, swelling, and abdominal pain. Without treatment, kidney failure occurs within weeks to months.

It may occur as a result of anti-glomerular basement membrane disease, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, microscopic polyangiitis, lupus nephritis, IgA nephropathy, and following infection. Diagnosis is based on blood tests, urine tests, and a kidney biopsy. The biopsy show crescent-shaped scaring in over half the glomeruli.

Initial treatment is generally with intravenous methylprednisolone. Further treatment may depend on the underlying cause. Other medications that may be used include cyclophosphamide or rituximab. Plasmapheresis may be considered if their is lung involvement. Kidney failure may be treated with dialysis or kidney transplant.

Crescentic glomerulonephritis is rare, occurring in about 2 to 7 people per million per year. Those affected are generally between 20 to 50 years of age. Males and females are affected equally frequently. White people are more commonly affected. The underlying appearance on kidney biopsy was first described in 1914 while the current name came into use in 1942.