DISEASE SCANNER

Global Incurable Diseases Tracker

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Nephrologic Disease

Chronic Pyelonephritis

HIGH SEVERITY

Persistent or recurrent infection of the kidneys causing progressive scarring and damage. Usually results from repeated acute pyelonephritis, often due to urinary tract obstruction or vesicoureteral reflux. Can lead to chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.

Global Affected

800.0K

Countries

89

Symptoms

Flank pain
Recurrent UTIs
Fever
Malaise
High blood pressure
Nocturia
Polyuria
Proteinuria
Often asymptomatic until advanced

Treatment Options

Long-term antibiotics
Surgical correction of reflux
Relief of obstruction
Blood pressure control
ACE inhibitors
Treatment of complications
Dialysis (end-stage)
Kidney transplant

Risk Factors

1Vesicoureteral reflux
2Urinary tract obstruction
3Kidney stones
4Neurogenic bladder
5Recurrent UTIs
6Anatomic abnormalities
7Immunocompromised
8Diabetes

Diagnostic Methods

  • 1Urinalysis
  • 2Urine culture
  • 3Blood tests (creatinine)
  • 4Renal ultrasound
  • 5CT scan
  • 6Voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG)
  • 7DMSA scan (scarring)
  • 8Kidney biopsy (rare)

Prognosis

Variable. Depends on underlying cause and treatment. Can stabilize with proper management. Progressive kidney damage without intervention. End-stage renal disease in severe cases.

Prevention

  • Prompt treatment of UTIs
  • Treatment of reflux in children
  • Relief of obstruction
  • Good hygiene
  • Adequate hydration
  • Regular follow-up
  • Prophylactic antibiotics (selected)

Research Status

Long-term antibiotic prophylaxis. Treatment of underlying cause (obstruction, reflux). Surgery for vesicoureteral reflux. Management of chronic kidney disease. Blood pressure control. May progress to dialysis/transplant.

Affected Countries

United StatesUnited KingdomCanadaAustraliaGermanyFranceItalySpainJapanBrazilMexicoRussiaChinaIndiaSwedenNorwayFinlandNetherlandsBelgiumSwitzerlandAustriaDenmarkPolandCzech RepublicHungaryRomaniaBulgariaCroatiaSloveniaSlovakiaLTLVEEIrelandPortugalGreeceCYMTLUIcelandNew ZealandSouth KoreaTaiwanSingaporeHong KongMalaysiaThailandIndonesiaPhilippinesVietnamSouth AfricaEgyptTurkeySaudi ArabiaUAEQatarKuwaitBHOmanJordanLebanonSyriaIraqIranPakistanBangladeshLKMMKHLAMNKPUzbekistanKazakhstanKGTJTMAzerbaijanAMGEUkraineBelarusMDALBAMKMESerbiaXK

Sources

  • https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/pyelonephritis
  • https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-infection
  • https://www.hematology.org/education/patients
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books
  • https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.