What are the classic signs of acute glomerulonephritis?

• A. Severe flank pain with CVA tenderness
• B. Asymptomatic microhematuria only
• C. Hematuria with cola-colored urine, red cell casts, edema, hypertension, and sometimes oliguria
• D. Proteinuria with hypoalbuminemia and edema predominantly

Answer: (C)

Acute glomerulonephritis presents with signs of nephritic syndrome: blood leakage into the urine from damaged glomeruli, fluid retention, and reduced kidney output. The hallmark is visible hematuria with red blood cell casts in the urine, giving a cola-colored appearance. The inflammation and reduced filtration lead to edema and hypertension, and kidneys may produce less urine (oliguria) at times. Proteinuria can occur, but it’s not the dominant feature like in nephrotic conditions.

Severe flank pain with kidney-area tenderness points more to pyelonephritis or kidney stones. Asymptomatic microhematuria alone isn’t characteristic of glomerulonephritis and doesn’t explain edema or hypertension. Proteinuria with hypoalbuminemia and edema predominantly describes nephrotic syndrome, not the nephritic pattern.