What are the causes of nephritic syndrome?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 6, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Guidelines

Nephritic syndrome is primarily caused by immune-mediated inflammation of the glomeruli in the kidneys, with the main causes including post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, IgA nephropathy, lupus nephritis, and other immune complex-mediated diseases. The causes of nephritic syndrome can be broken down into several key categories, including:

  • Immune complex-mediated diseases, such as lupus nephritis and post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which occur when immune complexes deposit in the kidneys, triggering an inflammatory response 1
  • IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease), where immunoglobulin A deposits in the glomeruli, leading to inflammation and damage to the glomerular filtration barrier
  • Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, a type of glomerulonephritis characterized by the deposition of immune complexes and complement in the glomeruli
  • Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease (Goodpasture syndrome), a rare autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the glomeruli
  • ANCA-associated vasculitis, including granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis, which can cause inflammation and damage to the glomeruli
  • Infections, such as hepatitis B and C, HIV, and bacterial endocarditis, which can lead to nephritic syndrome by triggering an immune response and causing inflammation in the kidneys The inflammation and damage to the glomeruli caused by these conditions can result in characteristic symptoms such as hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, and edema. Treatment depends on the underlying cause but often includes managing hypertension, reducing inflammation with corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, and addressing any underlying infections, as outlined in the KDIGO 2021 clinical practice guideline for the management of glomerular diseases 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Causes of Nephritic Syndrome

The causes of nephritic syndrome can be attributed to various diseases and conditions, including:

  • Infection-related glomerulonephritis, which is characterized by the inflammation of the glomeruli due to an infection 2
  • IgA nephropathy, a disease in which the immune system attacks the kidneys 2
  • Lupus nephritis, a complication of systemic lupus erythematosus that affects the kidneys 2
  • Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, a type of glomerulonephritis that involves the proliferation of cells in the glomeruli 2
  • Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis, a condition in which the immune system attacks the blood vessels 2
  • Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), an immune-complex mediated inflammation that occurs after an infection with group A beta-hemolytic streptococci 3

Infection-Related Causes

PSGN is a common cause of acute nephritis amongst children, and it is characterized by the proliferation of cellular elements called nephritogenic M type as a result of an immunologic mechanism following an infection of the skin or throat caused by nephritogenic strains of group A beta-hemolytic streptococci 3. The formation of an immune complex of antigen-antibody and complement system will take place after the infection, and will deposit in the glomeruli where the injury occurs and leads to inflammation 3.

Other Possible Causes

There is no evidence to suggest that the biodegradation of 1,2,3- and 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene in soil and in liquid enrichment culture is related to the causes of nephritic syndrome 4. This study appears to be unrelated to the topic of nephritic syndrome.

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.