WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis? Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) is an inflammation of your child's kidneys. It can prevent your child's kidneys from getting rid of waste and extra fluid. This can lead to high blood pressure and become harmful to your child. PSGN usually follows a streptococcal infection such as strep throat or impetigo. PSGN is common in children 5 to 12 years of age.

What are the symptoms of PSGN? Symptoms occur suddenly about 1 to 4 weeks after your child's infection. Your child may have any of the following symptoms:

• Decreased urination or tea-colored urine
  
  
• Swelling in his face, legs, or feet
  
  
• Fatigue or joint pain
  
  
• Fever or rash
  
  
• Headache
  
  
• Seizures

How is PSGN diagnosed? Your child's healthcare provider will ask about any infection your child might have had. Urine and blood tests will be done to see how your child's kidneys are working. Your child's healthcare provider may order a throat culture if your child had strep throat. He will listen to your child's lungs and heart for abnormal sounds. He will also check your child's legs and face for swelling.

How is PSGN treated?

• Medicines:
  • Diuretics may be given to decrease swelling. They work by removing extra fluid in your child's body.
    
    
  • Blood pressure medicine may be given to lower your child's blood pressure.
    
    
  • Antibiotics help treat a bacterial infection.
    
    
  • NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If your child takes blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for him. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children under 6 months of age without direction from your child's healthcare provider.
  
  
• Dialysis may be needed if your child has severe kidney failure. Dialysis helps clean your child's blood when his kidneys cannot.

How can I manage my child's condition?

• Help your child rest as directed. Rest is important for your child's recovery. Allow him to slowly return to normal activities and do more as he feels stronger.
  
  
• Monitor your child's blood pressure. Ask your child's healthcare provider how to take a blood pressure and what it should be. Keep a record of his blood pressure and bring the record to his follow up visits.
  
  
• Monitor how often your child urinates. Write down the number of times he urinates and the color of the urine.
  
  
• Follow your child's nutrition plan as directed. You may need to limit the sodium (salt) and potassium that your child eats. You may also need to limit the amount of liquid he drinks. This will help decrease fluid buildup in his body.

Call 911 for any of the following:

• You cannot wake your child.
  
  
• Your child has a seizure.
  
  
• Your child is suddenly short of breath or unable to speak in a complete sentence.
  
  
• Your child is breathing fast and his heart is beating faster than normal.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your child is restless or irritable.
  
  
• Your child has severe vomiting.

When should I contact my child's healthcare provider?

• Your child's face, legs, or feet continue to swell, even with treatment.
  
  
• Your child's blood pressure is not within the range his healthcare provider said it should be.
  
  
• Your child's symptoms last longer than 2 weeks.
  
  
• Your child has a fever.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.