Question

When a child at home shows a decrease in urine output, with normal fluid intake, and even accompanied by hematuria, how can you initially determine if it might be acute nephritis?

Answer

When a child presents with symptoms such as decreased urine output and hematuria, it is first important to consider the possibility of decreased urine output due to fluid loss rather than acute nephritis. However, if these symptoms recur and there are no other clear causes (such as urinary tract stones, urinary tract infection), and they are accompanied by elevated blood triglycerides, cholesterol, and clinical manifestations such as hypertension, proteinuria, and edema, then the possibility of acute nephritis should be suspected. At this point, kidney function tests, 24-hour urine microalbumin testing, and further kidney function evaluation are necessary steps for diagnosis.