Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) Flashcards
1
Q
What is ATN?
A
Damage and death of the epithelial cells of the renal tubules
2
Q
ATN is the commonest cause of what?
A
Renal AKI
3
Q
ATN is either caused by ischaemia or toxins
1) Name a cause of ischaemia that can result in ATN
2) Name a toxin that can cause ATN
A
1) Shock, sepsis, dehydration, renal artery stenosis
2) Radiology contrast dye, gentamicin, NSAIDs, chemotherapy agents
4
Q
What found on urinalysis is a pathognomonic finding specific to acute tubular necrosis?
A
Muddy brown casts
5
Q
What are the 3 phases of a typical ATN?
A
- Oliguric
- Polyuric
- Recovery
6
Q
In ATN, urine sodium is greater than what?
A
> 40mmol/L
