Symptoms of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN)
How does poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis present clinically?
A wide variety of clinical presentations can occur with poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, but most children with transient microhematuria (dysmorphic red cells) remain asymptomatic.
However, full-blown nephritic syndrome even with nephrotic-range proteinuria can occur. Kidney function is often significantly impaired, with concomitant hypertension and peripheral/pulmonary edema.
Severe, uncontrolled hypertension is a common feature in patients with acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis and requires immediate control and management.
Many patients with poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis present with “dark or tea-colored” urine due to gross hematuria.
The color is indicative of the effect of pH on the free hemoglobin molecule, with alkaline urine being more bright red and acidic urine being a darker brownish hue.
