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Post-streptococcal GN is a disorder of the kidneys that occurs after infection with certain strains of Streptococcus bacteria.

Glomerulonephritis - post-streptococcal; Post-infectious glomerulonephritis

Post-streptococcal GN is a form of glomerulonephritis. It is the result of an infection, not of the kidneys, but of a completely different area, such as the skin or throat, with a specific type of Group A hemolytic streptococcus bacteria.

The infection causes the tiny blood vessels called glomeruli in the kidneys to become inflamed, making the kidneys less able to filter and remove wastes.

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is uncommon these days because infections that can lead to the disorder are commonly treated with antibiotics. The disorder may develop 1 - 2 weeks after an untreated throat infection, or 3 - 4 weeks after a skin infection.

It may occur in people of any age, but most often occurs in children ages 6 - 10. Although skin and throat infections are not uncommon in children, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis is a rare complication of these infections.

Risk factors include:

• Sore throat
• Strep throat
• Streptococcal skin infections (such as impetigo)

• Cough, with sputum
• Decreased urine output
• Edema (swelling)
  • Generalized swelling
  • Swelling of the abdomen
  • Swelling of the face or eyes
  • Swelling of the feet, ankles, extremities
• Smoky urine
• Rust-colored urine
• Visible blood in the urine

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness

• Abnormal sounds are heard when listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope (auscultation)
• Anti-DNase B test may be abnormal
• Blood pressure is often high
• Examination shows swelling (edema), especially of the face
• Kidney biopsy confirms post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (although biopsy is not usually necessary)
• Serum ASO may be raised
• Serum complement levels usually decrease
• Urinalysis shows protein and blood in the urine

Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis usually goes away by itself after several weeks to months. In a minority of adults, it may progress to chronic kidney failure.

• Acute renal failure
• Chronic glomerulonephritis
• Chronic renal failure
• Congestive heart failure or pulmonary edema
• End-stage renal disease
• Hyperkalemia
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Nephrotic syndrome

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of post-streptococcal GN.

If you have experienced post-streptococcal GN, call your health care provider if you have decreased urine output or other new symptoms.

Treating known streptococcal infections may prevent post-streptococcal GN.