Assessment Of Kidney Function

Question 1

What is cystatin C?

Answer 1

Marker of kidney function
Small protein produced by nucleated cells
Not affect by muscle mass, age,gender or race
Affected by thyroid disease (inc by hypo and dec by hyper)
Affected by drugs (inc. by corticosteroids and dec. by cyclosporin)

Question 2

How is acute kidney injury diagnosed?

Answer 2

Increases on reference serum creatinine levels
Stage 1: >1.5-1.9reference
Stage 2: >2-2.9reference
Stage 3: >3*reference
Urine output also measured, will decrease as stage increases

Question 3

What is chronic kidney disease?

Answer 3

Abnormalities of kidney function or structure present for more than three months with implications for health

Question 4

How are renal stones formed?

Answer 4

Increased concentration of urinary constituents
Lack of physiological inhibitors
Changes in urine pH:alkaline favours
Seeding

Question 5

What are the types of renal stones?

Answer 5

Calcium oxalate
Triple phosphate 
Calcium phosphate
Uris acid
Cystine

Question 6

What is renal tubular acidosis?

Answer 6

Systemic acidosis caused by impaired ability of the renal tubules to maintain acid-base balance
Four types:
1: distal RTA - failure of H excretion by distal tubule
2: proximal RTA - failure of stadium bicarbonate reabsorption in proximal.
3: combination of types 1&2
4: most common. Characterised by hyperkalaemia and acidosis. Low renin and aldersterone levels