What does Vasculitis of the kidneys do?

Vasculitis of the kidneys, also known as renal vasculitis, refers to inflammation and damage of the blood vessels in the kidneys. It can lead to a range of kidney problems and affect overall kidney function. Here's what vasculitis of the kidneys can do:

1. Reduced Blood Flow to the Kidneys: Vasculitis causes inflammation and narrowing of the blood vessels supplying blood to the kidneys. This reduced blood flow can lead to a decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures how well the kidneys filter waste products from the blood.

2. Glomerulonephritis: Vasculitis can affect the glomeruli, which are small filters in the kidneys responsible for filtering waste products. Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation of the glomeruli and can lead to conditions like proteinuria (loss of protein in the urine) and hematuria (presence of red blood cells in the urine).

3. Hypertension: Vasculitis can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to an increase in blood pressure. Hypertension caused by kidney vasculitis can further strain the kidneys and worsen the damage.

4. Kidney Failure: Severe and prolonged vasculitis can cause significant damage to the kidneys, affecting their ability to filter waste products and maintain electrolyte balance. This can lead to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or even kidney transplantation.

5. Other Complications: Depending on the specific type of vasculitis, it can also lead to other complications such as inflammation in other organs, joint pain, skin rashes, and nerve damage.

Vasculitis of the kidneys can have varying degrees of severity and may present differently in different individuals. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to minimize kidney damage and prevent complications.