Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in adults: clinical and histologic correlations

The clinical and histological features of 43 patients with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis were reviewed. All had extensive crescent formation in more than 50 per cent of glomeruli. Three distinct patterns of immunofluorescent staining were identified: linear, granular, and sparse staining. Electron microscopy was valuable in corroborating the results of immunofluorescence. The prognosis was poor, with no patient regaining normal renal function regardless of treatment. Significant differences were observed among patients categorized by immunofluorescent staining. Those with a linear pattern were younger and more commonly had hemoptysis. Patients with sparse immunofluorescent staining had better renal function at the time of presentation and a longer duration of illness.