Common causes of chronic glomerulonephritis include primary renal disorders, such as membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, membranous glomerulopathy, focal glomerulosclerosis, rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and, less often, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Systemic disorders that may cause chronic glomerulonephritis include systemic lupus erythematosus, Goodpasture’s syndrome, and hemolytic-uremic syndrome.

Chronic glomerulonephritis can cause contracted, granular kidneys and lead to end-stage renal failure. It can also produce severe hypertension, leading to cardiovascular complications including cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, which may speed the development of advanced renal failure, eventually necessitating dialysis or kidney transplantation.

This disorder usually develops insidiously and without symptoms, often over many years. In the late stages, the patient may complain of nausea, vomiting, pruritus, dyspnea, malaise, fatigue, and mild to severe edema. Your assessment may show severe hypertension and associated cardiac complications.