From the Guidelines

Yes, a renal function panel is typically abnormal in glomerulonephritis (Glomerular Nephritis).

Glomerulonephritis is a disease that damages the renal parenchyma, leading to abnormalities in kidney function and/or structure, which can be detected through a renal function panel 1.
The renal function panel assesses various parameters, including serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urine output, to evaluate kidney function 1.
Glomerulonephritis can cause a decline in glomerular filtration rate (GFR), leading to elevated serum creatinine levels and other abnormalities in the renal function panel 1.
The KDIGO guidelines define kidney disease as functional and/or structural abnormalities of the kidneys with implications for health, and glomerulonephritis is a classic example of a disease that meets this definition 1.

A renal function panel is essential in diagnosing and monitoring glomerulonephritis, as it helps to assess the severity of kidney damage and guide treatment decisions 1.
The panel may also include other tests, such as urinalysis, albuminuria, and biomarkers, to evaluate kidney damage and disease activity 1.
Renal biopsy may be indicated in some cases to differentiate between nephritic and nephrotic syndromes and to guide treatment decisions 1.

Abnormalities in the renal function panel can indicate the presence of glomerulonephritis and guide treatment decisions, such as the use of immunosuppressive therapies or other supportive measures 1.
Early detection and treatment of glomerulonephritis are crucial to prevent progression to chronic kidney disease (CKD) or end-stage renal disease (ESRD) 1.

From the Research

A renal function panel can be abnormal in glomerulonephritis, as the disease is characterized by inflammatory glomerular processes that can lead to a deterioration of renal function 2, 3.
Patients with nephritic syndrome tend to be hypertensive with dipstick-positive or visible haematuria, and may have rapidly progressive renal dysfunction and a fall in eGFR, indicating abnormal renal function 2.
In contrast, patients with nephrotic syndrome typically present with peripheral oedema, massive urinary protein loss, and associated low serum albumin levels, but usually have normal blood pressure and renal function initially 2.
The degree of renal insufficiency can vary, and some patients may present with asymptomatic haematuria and proteinuria with or without reduced kidney function 4.
Urinalysis can show abnormalities in the early phases of glomerulonephritis, including proteinuria and haematuria, and is an important diagnostic tool 3, 5.

Renal biopsy is necessary to establish the final diagnosis in most cases of glomerulonephritis, as it can provide information on the underlying cause and extent of glomerular injury 6, 4.
The diagnosis of glomerulonephritis can be narrowed by the findings on urine sediment, amount of proteinuria, degree of renal insufficiency, and serological findings 6.
Treatment options for glomerulonephritis depend on the underlying cause and severity of the disease, and may include immunomodulating treatment, complement inhibition, and management of hypertension and proteinuria 5.