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Types of Rare Kidney Disease
Gain insight into various types of rare kidney diseases, offering an understanding of each condition. Under the broad umbrella of rare kidney disease, these diseases can affect individuals across all demographics, with each person experiencing unique impacts.
Overview
Diseases that injure the glomeruli, the tiny filtering units within the kidney where blood is cleaned, are called glomerular diseases. Glomerular disease reduces the kidney’s ability to maintain a balance of specific substances in the blood stream. The kidney’s job is to filter the bad toxins in the blood from the good proteins and red blood cells.
Glomerular disease causes the kidney to begin to retain the bad toxins and release the proteins and red blood cells from the body. Laboratory analysis of the urine from people who have glomerular disease often shows protein in the urine (proteinuria) and sometimes blood in the urine (hematuria). Glomerular diseases include many conditions with a variety of genetic and environmental causes.
Most glomerular diseases have specific names but might also be referred to as either:
- Glomerulonephritis (gloh-MEHR-yoo-loh-nef-RY-tis) which describes the inflammation of the membrane tissue in the glomerulus of the kidney that serves as a filter, separating wastes and extra fluid from the blood.
- Glomerulosclerosis (gloh-MEHR-yoo-loh-skleh-ROH-sis) describes the scarring or permanent damage to the tiny blood vessels within the kidney.
Although glomerular diseases may have different causes, they can all lead to kidney failure. Symptoms of these diseases may be abrupt or slowly progressive. Treatment options are available for some types of glomerular disease, but many of these therapies are toxic, non-specific, and have potential for major side effects. Some forms of glomerular disease do not respond to any therapies. It is important to seek continuous medical attention if you are affected by a glomerular disease.
Learn More About Your Diagnosis
Click on the boxes below to discover more about your rare kidney disease diagnosis.
C3 Glomerulopathy (C3G)
Complement 3 Glomerulopathy (C3G) is a rare, chronic kidney disease that damages the glomeruli—tiny kidney filters that remove toxins from the blood. “Complement 3” (C3) refers to a blood protein in the alternative complement system, which helps the immune system defend against infections.
How Can NephCure Help?
We offer patient navigation services that help patients and their families with healthcare access, insurance headaches, seeking a second opinion, access to medications, school support services, and more. We push RKD research and care forward while connecting patients, families, and caregivers to the resources and support they need. We serve those affected by rare, protein-spilling kidney diseases like Nephrotic syndrome, Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), IgA nephropathy (IgAN), Membranous nephropathy (MN), Minimal change disease (MCD), C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), Immune complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (IC-MPGN), APOL1 kidney disease and other rare, protein-spilling kidney diseases. Learn more about each disease and how we can support you.
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Our local NephCure communities are groups of patients, care partners, and community members who want to learn, connect, and take action against rare kidney disease (RKD).
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