RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS - FACTORS INFLUENCING PROGRESSION

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is the most important em ergency in nephrology. During the last 10 years diagnostic means have considerably improved. Immunohistology is the key investigation. Linea r deposits of IgG are associated with anti-GBM-glomerulonephritis, whe reas pauciim-munostaining is suggestive for Wegener's disease and micr oscopic polyarteriitis. Corresponding serum antibodies are c-ANCA for Wegener's disease, p-ANCA for microscopic polyarteriitis and anti-GBM- antibodies for anti-GBM-glomerulonephritis. Therapeutic means are unch anged and include immuno-suppressive regimens and for anti-GBM-glomeru lonephritis plasma separation.