American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the management approach for infection-related glomerulonephritis?

1. Surgical intervention

2. Immediate dialysis

3. Treatment of the underlying infection

4. Use of immunosuppressive therapy

The correct answer is: Treatment of the underlying infection

The management approach for infection-related glomerulonephritis primarily focuses on treating the underlying infection that has triggered the condition. Infection-related glomerulonephritis often arises as a consequence of infections, notably post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which follows a group A streptococcal infection, such as pharyngitis or skin infection. By addressing the root cause—in this case, the infection—clinicians can help resolve the inflammation and glomerular damage associated with glomerulonephritis. Effective treatment of the infection may include antibiotics for bacterial causes or antiviral medications for viral infections, and managing any complications that arise from the infection, which can subsequently lead to improvement in renal function. Other management options, such as dialysis or surgical interventions, are generally reserved for complications or severe cases where there is significant renal failure or other life-threatening issues, rather than as a primary strategy for infection-related glomerulonephritis. Immunosuppressive therapy may be considered in other types of glomerulonephritis, particularly those that are autoimmune in nature; however, it is not appropriate as a first-line treatment for infection-related cases where treating the infection is paramount.