An examination may reveal edema or fluid overload, or signs of volume depletion, with abnormal sounds heard when listening with a stethoscope (auscultation ) to the heart or lungs. The blood pressure commonly is high.
A urinalysis shows small amounts of protein and sometimes red blood cells, renal tubular cells, and other abnormalities. The excretion of protein in the urine is not as severe as with nephrotic syndrome.
WBCs and WBC casts in the urine (particularly eosinophils) are often seen.
CBC may demonstrate eosinophilia (higher than normal eosinophil count).
A kidney biopsy confirms the diagnosis of interstitial nephritis and is used to evaluate the extent of damage to the kidney.
Review Date: 9/13/2005
Reviewed By: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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