A DISCUSSION of lower nephron nephrosis and presentation of cases is included conveniently in this series of articles although the exact role of vascular factors on its pathogenesis is by no means established. It is generally assumed, however, that circulatory disturbances within the kidney play an important role in the development of the renal lesions.1
Lower nephron nephrosis has become familiar in recent years through the studies of Bywaters2 in England and Lucke1 in this country, who proposed the name which has come into general usage. Originally described during World War I, the condition was rediscovered during World War II when Bywaters explored the nature of renal symptoms observed in victims of crushing injuries. Lower nephron nephrosis has also been reported following nontraumatic ischemia of muscle, heat stroke, burns, transfusion reactions, malarial hematinuria (blackwater fever), sulfonamide intoxication and poisoning with mushrooms and other vegetable and chemical substances.