What is the difference between glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome?

Answer 1

Nephrotic Syndrome Acute Nephritic Syndrome

1. Proteinuria (>3.0 g/day)
2. Hypoalbuminemia (<3.0 g/dL)
3. Edema
4. Hyperlipidemia
5. Lipiduria

1. Hematuria
2. RBC Casts
3. Proteinuria (<3.0 g/day)
4. Decreased GFR
5. Edema
6. Hypertension

|}

Answer 2

The difference between glomerulonephritis and nephrotic syndrome is with nephrotic syndrome the major concern will be proteinuria (the dumping or spilling of protein in the urine). In glomerulonephritis the concern will be blood pressure, so your patient teaching will actually be centered around these concerns. With glomerulonephritis have the patient monitor their blood pressure and continue their use of prescribed antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, CCB's, and Beta Blocks) with nephrotic syndrome encourage the patient to increase dietary intake of protein and check serum Albumin as freq. as possible.

-Mark T.-