[Glomerulonephritis (GN) in childhood. I. Epidemiology, clinical aspects and kidney function in 125 children]

The blood pressure, urinary symptoms (proteinuria, hematuria, casts), the albumin- and cholesterol concentration in the serum and the renal function (GFR, RPF) of 125 children with chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) were analysed. 76 children had only single symptoms (93% proteinuria, 33% hypertension), which indicated a GN. The serum albumin and cholesterol concentration were pathological in 43% of the patients and serum creatinine level was pathological in 20% of the children. After 6 years the individual courses of renal function demonstrated a deterioration of GFR and RPF for most of the children. It can be concluded, that the summary consideration of epidemiology, symptomatology and renal function of different glomerular lesions has only a limited application to the clinical practice.