Causes

What is post-infectious glomerulonephritis? Post-infectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) is one of the 7 types of chronic glomerulonephritis (GN). They are all ‘autoimmune diseases’ where the immune (defence) system attacks normal tissue in the kidney (including the glomeruli). Why and how they occur is unclear. So. What is post-infectious glomerulonephritis? PIGN normally develops rapidly, and (classically) follows

What is mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis? Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis (MCGN) is one of the 7 types of chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) but one of the least common types. They are all ‘autoimmune diseases’ where the immune (defence) system attacks normal tissue in the kidney (including the glomerulus). Why and how they occur is unclear. MCGN is also known as

What is membranous nephropathy (MN)? Membranous nephropathy (MN) is one of the 7 types of chronic glomerulonephritis (GN). They are all ‘autoimmune diseases’ where the immune (defence) system attacks normal tissue in the kidney (including the glomerulus). Why and how they occur is unclear. MN is called membranous nephropathy as immune complexes (antigen–antibody combination) are

What is minimal change disease (MCD)? Minimal change disease is one of the 7 types of chronic glomerulonephritis (GN). They are all ‘autoimmune diseases’, where the immune (defence) system attacks normal tissue in the kidney (including the glomerulus). Why and how they occur is unclear. MCD is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in

What is renal vasculitis? Renal vasculitis is a group of rare autoimmune diseases that involve inflammation of the blood vessels (that is what vasculitis means) in the kidneys. These conditions are characterised by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to inflammation and damage to the renal tissue. Types

What is lupus nephritis? Lupus nephritis is a kidney disorder that occurs as a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly referred to as ‘lupus’. SLE is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and organs in the body. It can affect most organs including the skin (as rashes), joints,

What is a horseshoe kidney? A horseshoe kidney, also called renal fusion, is when two kidneys are fused or joined together. They form a shape like a horseshoe. A horseshoe kidney is also in a different location compared to two typical kidneys. It’s located lower in the tummy and closer to the front of your