Glomerular Disease Center - Testing

Glomerular diseases can progress gradually, often going undetected until an abnormal urinalysis reveals the presence of blood and/or protein in the urine during a routine physical exam or an assessment for other health issues.

Urinalysis: Routine urinalysis can detect blood and protein in the urine, early indicators of glomerular disease.

High Blood Pressure: Glomerulonephritis, a type of glomerular disease, can lead to high blood pressure. Patients with hypertension should have their urine tested and their blood creatinine levels measured to evaluate kidney function, as glomerular disease may be an underlying cause of difficult-to-control high blood pressure.

Kidney Function Tests: Blood tests measuring creatinine and other markers can indicate reduced kidney function.

Anemia: Laboratory tests may reveal anemia, often associated with decreased kidney function.

Kidney Biopsy: A kidney biopsy, which involves examining a small sample of kidney tissue under a microscope, confirms the diagnosis of glomerular disease.

Advanced Signs and Symptoms

As the disease progresses, signs of chronic kidney failure may appear, including:

• Swelling (Edema): Fluid retention causing swelling, particularly in the legs and around the eyes.

• Polyneuropathy: Nerve damage leading to weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet.

• Fluid Overload: Symptoms such as abnormal heart and lung sounds detected during a physical examination.

Imaging tests help visualize the kidneys and assess the extent of the disease:

• Abdominal CT Scan

• Abdominal Ultrasound

• Chest X-ray

• Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)

Several urine tests provide detailed information about kidney function and the extent of the disease:

• Microscopic Examination of Urine

• Creatinine Clearance

• Total Protein

• Uric Acid, Urine

• Urine Concentration Test

• Urine Creatinine

• Urine Protein

• Urine Red Blood Cells (RBC)

• Urine Specific Gravity

Glomerular disease can also affect the results of various blood tests, which help in diagnosis and monitoring:

• Albumin

• Anti-glomerular Basement Membrane Antibody Test

• Anti-neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibodies (ANCAs)

• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Creatinine

• Complement Component 3

• Complement Levels

   

Early and accurate testing is vital for the diagnosis and management of glomerular disease, enabling timely intervention and the preservation of kidney function.

At the Glomerular Disease Center, our approach is tailored to each patient’s unique needs, leveraging the latest medical advancements and research to provide the most effective care.