Latent glomerulonephritis, also known as latent glomerular disease, was previously referred to as asymptomatic proteinuria and/or hematuria. It is characterized by mild to moderate proteinuria and/or hematuria, a prolonged clinical course, and typically does not present with edema, hypertension, or renal impairment.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

Most patients have no clinical symptoms and only show abnormal urine test results during physical examinations. A few may experience visible hematuria but without edema or hypertension. Some may have lower back soreness, which worsens with fatigue or infection and improves after treatment.

bubble_chart Auxiliary Examination

Physical examination often shows no positive signs.

The 24-hour urinary protein excretion is mostly below 2g, predominantly albumin. Microscopic hematuria is present in the vast majority, with red blood cells showing polymorphism and diversity. Renal function is normal, with negative rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies, and normal complement levels. Isotope renography, renal ultrasound, and intravenous pyelography are all normal.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. Usually, one should avoid the common cold and excessive fatigue. For those with recurrent common colds, transfer factor, thymosin, or tonsillectomy may be considered. Protein intake should not be too high, and nephrotoxic drugs should be prohibited. If there are recurrent infectious foci, they should be removed.
2. Root Leaf or Flower of Common Threewingnut glycosides or low-dose ACEI can be used, along with long-term vitamin C intake of 1.0g/d.
3. Chinese medicinals such as Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill, Anemarrhena, Phelloendron and Rehmannia Pill, and Chinese Caterpillar Fungus preparations have certain therapeutic effects.

bubble_chart Differentiation

It should be differentiated from functional or postural proteinuria, IgA nephropathy, subcutaneous nodules of the urinary system, and renal tumors.