In post-streptococcal GN, when does hematuria typically occur after a sore throat?

In post-streptococcal GN, when does hematuria typically occur after a sore throat?

• A. 1-3 weeks after sore throat
• B. Same day
• C. 1-3 days after
• D. 6-8 weeks after

Answer: (A)

The timing reflects the immune-mediated nature of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. After a streptococcal throat infection, the body develops antibodies that form immune complexes with streptococcal antigens. It takes time for these complexes to form, circulate, and deposit in the glomeruli, triggering inflammation and the nephritic syndrome. That process typically becomes clinically evident about one to three weeks after the sore throat, which is when hematuria, along with possible edema and hypertension, often appears. Lab clues include decreased C3 that later returns to normal over several weeks. So the correct window—one to three weeks after the sore throat—fits the immune-complex–mediated pathophysiology. Hematuria appearing immediately or within a day would not align with this mechanism, and waiting six to eight weeks is outside the usual course after pharyngitis (the longer interval is more characteristic of skin infections, which have a different latency).

The timing reflects the immune-mediated nature of post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis. After a streptococcal throat infection, the body develops antibodies that form immune complexes with streptococcal antigens. It takes time for these complexes to form, circulate, and deposit in the glomeruli, triggering inflammation and the nephritic syndrome. That process typically becomes clinically evident about one to three weeks after the sore throat, which is when hematuria, along with possible edema and hypertension, often appears. Lab clues include decreased C3 that later returns to normal over several weeks.

So the correct window—one to three weeks after the sore throat—fits the immune-complex–mediated pathophysiology. Hematuria appearing immediately or within a day would not align with this mechanism, and waiting six to eight weeks is outside the usual course after pharyngitis (the longer interval is more characteristic of skin infections, which have a different latency).