Chronic Glomerulonephritis A progressive deterioration of renal function, which ends fatally in uremia and its complications unless dialysis / a kidney transplantation is performed. Most cases are asymptomatic until later stages.

The course of chronic glomerulonephritis is variable. In some pts, it progresses slowly and the loss of renal function is gradual. In other pts, severe high blood pressure develops, which in turn hastens renal damage. The renal changes consist of a thinning of the cortex, arterioscelerotic thickening of the renal arteries, and a progressive destruction of the glomeruli. The kidney atrophies and renal function progressively decreases.

Etiology Hypertension, prolonged and severe Diabetes mellitus Glomerulopathies (from lupus / other disorders) Interstitial nephritis Hereditary renal disease, polycystic disease Obstructive uropathy Developmental / congenital disorder

Clinical Manifestations GI – anorexia, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, ulceration of GI tract , and hemorrhage Cardiovascular – hyperkalemia, ECG changes, hypertension, pericarditis, pericardial effusion, pericardial tamponade Respiratory – pulmonary edema, pleural effusions, pleural rub Neuromuscular – fatigue, sleep disorders, headache, lethargy

Nursing Interventions Hemodialysis. Peritoneal Dialysis.