What potential complication can arise from post-infectious glomerulonephritis?

Post-infectious glomerulonephritis is primarily a renal complication that can arise following infections, particularly those caused by certain strains of bacteria such as Streptococcus. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the glomeruli, which are the filtering units of the kidneys. One of the significant potential complications that can arise from this condition is acute renal failure.

Acute renal failure occurs when there is a rapid decline in kidney function, which can happen due to the glomerular inflammation and resulting impairment in the kidneys' ability to filter waste products from the blood. In post-infectious glomerulonephritis, factors such as the deposition of immune complexes, increased glomerular permeability, and the inflammatory response can lead to decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), ultimately causing acute renal failure.

While other complications related to glomerular diseases can be significant, acute renal failure is a direct and immediate consequence of the inflammation and damage that occurs in the glomeruli as a result of the post-infectious process, making it a critical complication to recognize and manage. Chronic kidney disease and nephrotic syndrome can develop in some circumstances but usually are related to different pathological mechanisms or prolonged injury rather than being immediate complications of post