A beginner’s guide to the clinical approach and key concepts of glomerular disease: a mini review

Glomerular disease is a common issue in nephrology, where prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to halting disease progression and preventing the development of chronic kidney disease or end-stage kidney disease. The initial approach and differential diagnosis remain essential clinical skills for ensuring timely investigation and management. In an era of advanced molecular diagnostics in histopathology and biologic therapies, there is a notable gap in the literature regarding a general introduction to the overarching concepts of glomerular disease. This article aims to serve as a guide for medical students and internists, offering an overview of the approach to glomerular disease, including differential diagnoses, the clinical features of nephritis and nephrotic syndrome, and common presentations that aid in diagnosis, such as foamy urine, hematuria, and proteinuria.