Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis: current and evolving treatment strategies

J Nephrol. 2004 Nov-Dec:17 Suppl 8:S10-9.

Abstract

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) must be diagnosed and treated quickly to prevent irreversible organ injury. The commonest cause of RPGN is anti-neutrophil cytoplasm antibody (ANCA) associated small vessel vasculitis, and the most severe is anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibody disease. In this review we address pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and outcome in these two entities, with emphasis on novel therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease / therapy
  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic / analysis
  • Autoimmune Diseases / diagnosis
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Disease Progression
  • Glomerulonephritis / diagnosis
  • Glomerulonephritis / immunology
  • Glomerulonephritis / therapy*
  • Glucocorticoids / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Methylprednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Plasma Exchange

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Methylprednisolone