What can be done to prevent the disease?

Depending on the cause, some cases of RPGN may be prevented. Early treatment of other conditions, such as systemic lupus erythmatosus or hepatitis, may help prevent RPGN from these causes. In other cases, RPGN cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the disease?

Long-term effects of RPGN vary, depending on the underlying cause. For example, hepatitis may cause long-term effects in the liver and kidneys. An infection that is treated promptly may cure the cause of the RPGN, and there may be no long-term effects. The longer the condition goes untreated, the more devastating it can be. If it is not treated, the kidneys and renal system can be permanently damaged. End-stage renal disease, the permanent and complete loss of kidney function, can occur within days or weeks of the start of RPGN.

What are the risks to others?

RPGN is not contagious by itself, but the underlying cause may be contagious. For example, if cause of the RPGN is hepatitis, the hepatitis can be spread to others.