A FIVE YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY TO DETERMINE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF RAPIDLY PROGRESSIVE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS FROM THREE TERTIARY HOSPITALS IN GAUTENG, SOUTH AFRICA

摘要

Introduction: Rapidly progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a syndrome which was first described in 1942 by Ellis.It is caused by glomerulonephritis which results in rapid decline in renal function over a short period of time. Its histological hallmark is extensive crescent formation. It is a heterogeneous disease with various aetiologies leading to glomerular injury.Recent studies of the characteristics of RPGN in adults in South Africa have been sparse, although there was a recent retrospective study from Paediatric nephrology in Cape Town. A study from Senegal found RPGN in 5.33% of renal biopsies conducted over 5 years. The aetiologies were mainly lupus in 32.5% of cases, followed by ANCA-related vasculitis in 27.5% of cases, and infectious causes in 17.5% of cases.This differs from aetiologies of RPGN from other parts of the world where the most common cause in ANCA- related vasculitis.