ATN Flashcards
1
Q
What is ATN?
A
Acute Tubular Necrosis
- Necrosis (death) of epithelial cells of renal tubules
2
Q
What most commonly causes ATN?
A
AKI
3
Q
Why do epithelial cells get damaged?
A
- Ischaemia
- Toxins
4
Q
How does ATN recover?
A
- Epithelial cells can regenerate
- Takes 7-21 days (1-3 weeks)
5
Q
What are the ischaemic causes of ATN?
A
- Shock
- Sepsis
- Dehydration
6
Q
Which toxins can cause ATN?
A
- NSAIDs
- Lithium
- Contrast dye
- Gentamicin
- Heroin
7
Q
What are ‘Muddy brown casts’?
A
- Found on urinalysis
- Pathognomonic finding, specific to ATN
- Casts of blood cells in the urine
8
Q
How is ATN treated?
A
- Supportive management
- IV fluids
- Stop nephrotoxic meds
- Treat complications
