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

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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.-

Answer 3

Glomerulonephritis is a condition where the glomeruli in the kidneys become inflamed, leading to problems with kidney function such as blood or protein in the urine. Nephrotic syndrome is a group of symptoms that occur when there is damage to the glomeruli, causing excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to swelling and high cholesterol levels. Glomerulonephritis is a cause of nephrotic syndrome, but not all cases of glomerulonephritis lead to nephrotic syndrome.