glomerulonephritis

= glomerular nephritis; n.

any of a group of kidney diseases involving the glomeruli (see glomerulus), usually thought to be the result of antibody-antigen reactions that localize in the kidneys because of their filtering function. Acute nephritis is marked by blood in the urine and fluid and urea retention. It may be related to a recent streptococcal throat infection and usually settles completely, with rapid return of normal kidney function. Other forms of nephritis present with chronic haematuria or with the nephrotic syndrome; children often eventually recover completely, but adults are more likely to progress to chronic nephritis and eventual kidney failure.