Glomerulonephritis

This condition is treated in the Nephrology (Renal) clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

Who does usually need to be referred to a nephrologist with a suspicion of GN?

• Active Urine Sediment (Haematuria and Proteinuria) with decline in kidney function
• Nephrotic Syndrome- Oedema, Hypoalbuminemia, over 3.5g/24hr urine protein - see Proteinuria under Link to Proteinuriaover
• Proteinuria or haematuria, in patients with known or suspected associated disease (SLE, Wegners, Hep C infection or risk factors)
• Unexplained proteinuria (usually over 0.5g/day) - see Proteinuria under Link to Proteinuriaover
• Unexplained Glomerular haematuria (proteinuria and haematuria) - particularly in younger patients

All referrals should comply to the outpatient information for clinicians page, referral standards and include in particular:

• History of condition
• Past history of renal disease and co-morbidities

Tests

• FBC
• UEC
• LFT
• Comprehensive metabolic panel (includes calcium, magnesium, phosphate, urea, bicarbonate, chloride, blood glucose)
• Consider lipids
• Urine Albumin/Protein Quantification (Generally Urine ACR)
• Consider renal ultrasound if anatomical imaging needed

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Nephrology (Renal) clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

* Red flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention.  They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 Anyone with an acute presentation and signs of acute glomerulonephritis (Active Urine Sediment and over 25% decline in GFR over 6-12 weeks) should be regarded as a medical emergency and referred without delay

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review.

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital
Level 3 - Specialist Clinics

Phone: 1300 977 694
Fax: 03 6777 5227

North West

Phone: 03 6477 7746
Fax: 03 6777 5214

North West Regional Satellite Service

1 Strahan Street

South Burnie TAS 7230

South

Wellington Clinics
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 3982