Fluids, Electrolytes, and Acid Base Disorders Flashcards
Where does the majority of Na+ reabsorption occur?
The proximal tubule
MOA of furosemide
Inhibition of the Na+/K+/Cl- cotransporter in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle
MOA of Thiazide diuretics
Inhibition of Na+/Cl- cotransporter at the early distal tubule
How does aldosterone affect Na+ and K+?
Aldosterone increases the absorption of Na+ and the secretion of K+ in the late distal tubules.
_______ increases Na+ reabsorption. _______ increases water reabsorption.
Aldosterone; ADH
Describe water homeostasis.
As the plasma osmolarity increases, the osmoreceptors signal to the posterior pituitary and cause the release of ADH which result in more water reabsorption and thus a decrease in serum osmolarity. As the osmolarity decreases, the osmoreceptors shrink and stop signaling for the pituitary to release ADH.
In a hyponatremic patient, at what point do symptoms begin to develop?
When the Na+ level is <120.
In patients with intracranial problems, why is it important to keep the serum sodium slightly high or at least definitely not low?
Because as serum sodium decreases and the plasma osmolarity decreases, water will shift from the ECF into brain cells and cause a further increase in ICP.
In hypovolemic hypotonic hyponatremia, what does a low urine sodium mean?
If there is a low urine sodium <10 mEq/L, it implies increased sodium retention by the kidneys to compensate for extra renal losses which could occur in the form of diarrhea, vomiting, NG suction, diaphoresis, third spacing, burns, or pancreatitis (of sodium containing fluid).
In hypovolemic hypotonic hyponatremia, what does a high urine sodium mean?
If there is a high urine sodium >20 mEq/L renal salt loss is likely, for example diuretic use, decreased aldosterone (due to ACE inhibitors) ATN
What are some causes of euvolemic hypotonic hyponatremia?
- SIADH
- Psychogenic polydipsia
- Hypothyroidism
- Postop Hyponatremia
- Oxytocin use
- Administration or intake of relative excess of free water
- Drugs: haldol, cyclophosphamide, certain antineoplastics
What are some causes of hypervolemic hypotonic hyponatremia?
- CHF
- Nephrotic syndrome
- Liver disease
What is isotonic hyponatremia?
AKA pseudohyponatremia. This can be caused by any condition that leads to elevated proteins or lipids. An increase in plasma solids lowers the plasma sodium concentration but the amount of sodium in the plasma is normal.
What are some substances that cause a hypertonic hyponatremia?
- Glucose
- Sorbitol, mannitol, glycerol, maltose
- Radiocontrast agents
Explain hypertonic hyponatremia.
This occurs when there is the presence of an osmotic substance that causes an osmotic shift of water out of the cells. These substances cannot cross the cell membrane and therefore cause water to shift out of cells.
For example: Hyperglycemia increases osmotic pressure and water shifts from cells into the ECF leading to a dilutional hyponatremia. The actual sodium content in the ECF is unchanged.
What are some of the clinical features of hyponatremia?
- Neurologic symptoms: cerebral edema/swelling, HA, delirium, irritability, muscle twitching, weakness, hyperctive DTRs,
- Increased ICP, seizures, coma
- GI: N/V/ ileus, watery diarrhea
- CV: HTN due to increased ICP
- increased salivation and lacrimation
- Oliguria progressing to anuria which may not be reversible if therapy is delayed
In a patient with hyponatremia, what does it mean if the urine osmolality is low?
It means that the kidneys are responding appropriately by diluting the urine. For ex: primary polydipsia.
In a patient with hypernatremia, what does it mean if the urine osmolality is high?
It means there are increased levels of ADH and the kidney is not excreting free water. Ex: CHF, SIADH, hypothyroidism.
What should the urine Na+ be in a patient with hyponatremia?
It should be low.
In a patient with hyponatremia, if the urine Na+ is high, what could be causing that?
- Renal salt wasting nephropathy
- Hypoaldosteronism
- Diuretics
In a patient with hyponatremia, and the urine Na+ is low, what is that consistent with?
SIADH
How do you treat isotonic and hypertonic hyponatremias?
Diagnose and treat the underlying disorder.
How do you treat hypotonic hyponatremia?
Mild (120-130): free water restriction
Moderate (110-120): loop diuretics
Severe (<110) hypertonic saline, increased by 1-2 mEq/hr
Hypovolemic hypernatremia occurs when there is more water loss than sodium loss. What can cause this?
- Diuretics, osmotic diuresis, renal failure
- Diarrhea, diaphoresis, respiratory losses
Isovolemic hypernatremia occurs when sodium stores are normal but there has been loss of water. What causes this?
- Diabetes insipidus
- Insensible respiratory losses (tachypnea)
Hypervolemic hypernatremia occurs when there is gain of Na+ and water but more Na+ than water. What causes this?
- TPN
- NaHCO3- therapy
- Exogenous glucocorticoids/Cushing’s Syndrome
- Saltwater drowning
- Primary hyperaldosteronism
Excessively rapid correction of hypernatremia can cause?
Cerebral edema. Rate of correction should not exceed 12 mEq/L/day and no more than 8 mEq/L in the first 24 hours.
Clinical Features of Hypernatremia
- Mostly neurologic: AMS, restlessness, weakness, FND, confusion, seizures, coma
- Decreased salivation, tissues and mucous membranes are dry
In a patient with hypernatremia, what should the urine volume be? What should the urine osm be?
The urine volume should be low and the urine Osm should be high, >800.
How do you treat hypotonic hypernatremia?
-Give isotonic NaCl to restore hemodynamics
How do you treat Isovolemic hypernatremia?
Patients with DI require vasopressin, others you can prescribe oral fluids or D5W
How do you treat hypervolemic hypernatremia?
Give diuretics (like furosemide) and D5W to remove excess sodium. Dialyze patients with renal failure.
Which is the physiologically active form of Ca2+?
The free ionized form. It is under tight hormonal control by PTH and is independent of albumin levels.
How are calcium levels affected in hypoalbuminemia?
In hypoalbuminemia, total calcium is low but ionized calcium is normal.
What is the formula for estimating ionized calcium in hypoalbuminemia?
Total calcium - (serum albumin*0.8)
How does pH alter the ratio of calcium binding?
An increase in pH (alkalosis) increases the binding of calcium to albumin. Therefore in alkalemic states (especially acute respiratory alkalosis) total calcium is normal but ionized calcium is low and the patient frequently manifests the signs and symptoms of hypocalcemia.
What are some causes of hypocalcemia?
- ) Hypoparathyroidism
- ) Acute pancreatitis
- ) Renal insufficiency
- ) Hyperphosphatemia
- ) Pseudohypoparathyroidism
- ) Hypomagnesemia
- ) Vitamin D deficiency
- ) Malabsorption
- ) blood transfusion
- ) Osteoblastic mets
- ) Hypoalbuminemia
- ) DiGeorge Syndrome
What is pseudohypoparathyroidism?
Autosomal recessive disease causing congenital end organ resistance to PTH so PTH levels are actually high. Also characterized by mental retardation and short metacarpal bones.
How does hypomagnesemia cause hypocalcemia?
Hypomagnesemia causes decreased PTH secretion
Symptoms of hypocalcemia?
- Rickets and osteomalacia
- Increased NM irritability: numbness and tingling (circumoral), tetany, hyperactive DTRs, Chvostek, Trousseau signs, Seizures
- Basal ganglia calcifications
- CV: arrhythmias, prolonged QT interval
What lab tests would you want in a workup of hypocalcemia?
- BUN, Cr
- Magnesium
- Albumin
- Ionized calcium
- Amylase, lipase, and possibly LFTs
How do you treat hypocalcemia?
If symptomatic provide emergent tx w/ IV calcium gluconate. For long term management use oral calcium supplements (calcium carbonate) and vitamin D
How do you treat PTH deficiency?
- Replace vitamin D and give calcitriol
- Also give a thiazide to prevent nephrolithiasis
What are the “endocrinopathis” that can cause hypercalcemia?
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Renal failure (secondary hyperparathyroidism)
- Paget Disease of Bone
- Acromegaly, Addison’s Disease
What are the malignancies that can cause hypercalcemia?
- Multiple myeloma
- Bone mets that cause osteoclastic activity to increase
- Paraneoplastic syndromes that release PTHrp
What are some pharmacologic causes of hypercalcemia?
- Vitamin D intoxication
- Milk Alkali syndrome
- Drugs: thiazides, lithium
What are 2 “other” causes of hypercalcemia?
- Sarcoidosis
- Familial hypercalciuric hypercalcemia
Clinical features of hypercalcemia
- Bones
- -Bone aches and pains
- -Brown Tumors (osteitis fibrosa cystica)
- Stones
- -Nephrolithiasis
- -Nephrocalcinosis
- Groans
- -MSK pain and weakness
- -Pancreatitis
- -PUD
- -Gout
- -Constipation
- Psychiatric overtones