Symptomatology and General Principles of Treatment of Chronic Glomerulonephritis

Chronic glomerulonephritis is a group of immune-mediated and inflammatory kidney diseases characterized by persistent urinary abnormalities, including proteinuria and hematuria, lasting more than three months. It causes progressive damage to the renal glomeruli, gradual loss of nephrons and may eventually lead to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal failure. This article provides a comprehensive review of the etiology, pathogenesis, classification, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and general principles of treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis. It discusses the major clinical forms, including latent, hypertensive, nephrotic, mixed and hematuric forms. Particular attention is given to urinary abnormalities, edema, hypertension, nephrotic syndrome and manifestations of chronic kidney failure. The article also describes important diagnostic investigations, including urinalysis, blood tests, immunological investigations, renal ultrasonography and kidney biopsy. Modern treatment approaches are discussed, including dietary and lifestyle modifications, blood pressure control, ACE inhibitors, ARBs, SGLT2 inhibitors, diuretics and histology-directed immunosuppressive therapy. Management of complications such as anemia, hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis and mineral-bone disorders is also covered. Finally, the article highlights the importance of regular nephrological follow-up, prevention of disease progression, dialysis and kidney transplantation in advanced cases.