In the present work 116 cases of acute diffuse glomerular nephritis are studied, taken from seven hospitals in the Federal District (Brazil). These cases are analyzed with reference to occurrence, etiology, clinical picture, renal function, blood chemistry, evolution and treatment.
The disease was about the same in both sexes, and the frequency was greatest between the ages of 11 and 35. The incidence was highest during the cold months of the year. The main causes of acute diffuse glomerular nephritis in hospitalized patients were observed to be infections of the skin (impetigo) and infections of the lymphoid tissue of the throat.
The mode of onset in order of frequency was as follows: edema, headache, dyspnea, pain in the lumbar region, oliguria, anuria and purpura. Subcutaneous edema was present in practically all cases. The average blood pressure was observed in 70 per cent of the cases. Autopsies were performed in 4