Differential diagnosis of glomerular disease: a systematic and inclusive approach.
BACKGROUND
Glomerular disease is a complex and evolving topic. In evaluating a specific case it is not unusual for the clinician to ask: 'Am I missing something? Should I biopsy? When? Should I treat first, then biopsy?' This work, which is both evidence and experience based, is intended to address each of these concerns and many other issues relevant to the differential diagnosis of glomerular disease.


CONCLUSIONS
The central approach is the use of diagnostic algorithms that are based on quantitative measures routinely obtained early in the course of the diagnostic evaluation. The algorithms are designed to be easy to navigate, systematic, and inclusive. Also provided is a detailed and prioritized list of recommended diagnostic testing, and the rationale for each test.


CONCLUSIONS
This work is intended to facilitate accurate diagnosis in the individual patient presenting with evidence of glomerular disease.
Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. lee.hebert@osumc.edu
Lee A
LA
Hebert
Samir
S
Parikh
Jason
J
Prosek
Tibor
T
Nadasdy
Brad H
BH
Rovin
D000465:Algorithms; D001706:Biopsy; D020000:Decision Support Systems, Clinical; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology; D006417:Hematuria / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology*; D007678:Kidney Glomerulus / Q000473:pathology*; D009398:Nephrology / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D009404:Nephrotic Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D011507:Proteinuria / Q000175:diagnosis