Genitourinary Flashcards
What are the major functions of the Kidney?
- Filter or secrete waste/excess substances
- Retain albumin and circulating cells
- Reabsorb glucose, amino acids and bicarbonates
- Control BP, fluid status and electrolytes
- Activates 25-hydroxy vitamin D (by hydroxylating it to form 1,25 dihydroxy
vitamin D) - Synthesis erythropoietin
What is the Glomerular Filtrate rate?
The volume of fluid filtered from the glomeruli into Bowman’s space per unit
time (minutes)
What is the normal GFR?
120ml/min
What is Nephrolithiasis?
Renal Stones (calculi) commonly made from Calcium Oxalate (90%) which form in the CD and can be deposited anywhere from the renal pelvis to the urethra.
What are some other types of renal stone compared to calcium oxalate?
Calcium phosphate/oxalate (80%)
Uric Acid (10%)
Cysteine Stones
Struvite (infection often from proteus)
What are the 3 main narrowing’s where renal stones may be found?
- Pelviureteric junction
- Pelvic brim
- Vesicoureteric junction
What is the epidemiology of Renal Stones?
10-15% lifetime risk
More common in males
Peak age 20-40 yrs
Increasing Incidence
What are the risk factors for renal stones?
Chronic Dehydration
Low urine output
Primary kidney disease
HyperPTH/Hypercalcaemia
UTIs
Hx of previous renal stone
Drugs
What are the main causes for renal stones?
Anatomical:
Congenital - horseshoe kidney
Acquired - Obstruction, trauma, reflux
Urinary Factors:
Metastable urine
Increased Calcium oxalate, urate, cystine
Dehydration
What is the pathophysiology of renal stones?
Excess solute in the collecting duct
Supersaturated urine - favours crystallisation
Stones cause regular outflow obstruction - lead to hydronephrosis
Subsequent dilation of the renal pelvis will lead to lasting kidney damage
What are the 2 key complications of renal stones?
Obstruction - leading to AKI
Infection - causing obstructive pyelonephritis
What is the presentation of Renal Stones?
Maybe ASx and never cause issue
Renal colic is presenting complain in Symptomatic kidney stones:
Loin to groin pain that is colicky (peristaltic waves leading to fluctuations in severity)
LUTs (dysuria, strangury Urgency, Frequency)
Px cant lie still
What is Colicky Pain?
Pain that fluctuates in severity often due to peristalsis causing contaction of gallstones/renal stones which then settles when the contraction stops
What are the symptoms of Renal Colic?
Loin to groin pain
Px cannot lie still
Haematuria/dysuria
Nausea or vomiting
Reduced urine output (LUTS)
Symptoms of sepsis, if infection is present
What are the primary investigations for Renal stones?
1st Line - KUB (kidney, Ureter, Bladder) XR - 80% specific
Gold Standard - NCCT (non-contrast CT) KUB - 99% specific (diagnostic)
Bloods:
FBC
U&Es - raised creatinine in AKI
Urinalysis -Microscopic haematouria
Pregnancy test
Urine dipstick - UTI
What investigation would be used for hydronephrosis from a suspected renal stone for a Px who is pregnant?
Ultrasound as they cannot have CT
How can a kidney be drained if infected?
Ureteric stend
Nephrostomy
What is the Treatment for Renal Stones?
Sx management:
Strong Analgesic - IV/PR Diclofenac for severe pain (opiates in poor renal function Px)
Hydrate - oral or IV
Anti-emetics
Abx if infection present:
Cefuroxime / IV Gentamicin
Stones normally pass spontaneously if small enough (<5mm)
Elective Surgical Tx if too big to pass
What is a key complication of kidney stones?
Pyonephrosis
- Pus filled fluid caused by infection and obstruction together.
Tx with septic six
What Treatment is used if a stone is too large to pass spontaneously?
ESWL:
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy - ultrasound that fragments the stones (does not clear the stone so Px still has to pass stone)
Ureteroscopy - laser
PCNL:
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy - keyhole surgery to remove large/complex stones
Nephrectomy - if kidney contributes to less than 15% renal function
What is a big issue once you have had one renal stone?
Recurrence is very common and therefore take steps to prevent it:
Overhydration
Low Ca dietary intake
Low sodium diet
Reduce BMI
Active lifestyle
Potassium Citrate and Thiazide diuretics may also help
What are some differential Diagnoses for Loin pain other than Renal Colic?
Vascular accident - Ruptured AAA
Bowel Pathology - diverticulitis, appendicitis
Gynae - Ectopic pregnancy
Testicular torsion
MSK pain
What is the treatment for bladder stones?
Conservative - asymptomatic
Endoscopic + BOO Tx
Open Laparoscopic surgery - for large stones
What is Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)?
Abrupt decline in kidney function that occurs within hrs to days.
This is characterised by a increase serum creatinine and urea and a reduced urine output due to a decline in GFR failing to maintain acid base homeostasis
What is the mortality rate for AKI?
25-30%
What are the NICE criteria for AKI
Rise in creatinine of ≥ 25 micromol/L in 48 hours
Rise in creatinine of ≥ 50% in 7 days
Urine output of < 0.5ml/kg/hour for > 6 hours
What system is used to classify the stage of AKI?
KDIGO:
Rise in creatinine of ≥ 25 micromol/L in 48 hours
Rise in creatinine of ≥ 50% in 7 days
Urine output of < 0.5ml/kg/hour for > 6 hours
What is the old staging classification system for AKI?
RIFLE:
* Risk
* Injury
* Failure
* Loss
* End-stage renal disease
What is the epidemiology of AKI?
Common - affects 15% of all hospital admissions
25% of Px with sepsis and 50% of Px with septic shock will have AKI
Common in elderly
What are the risk factors for AKI?
CKD - acute on chronic kidney disease
Increased age >75yrs
Liver disease
Diabetes Mellitus
Nephrotoxic Drugs
Organ failure - HF
Sepsis
What are the different groups of causes of AKI?
Pre-renal (most common) - due to inadequate blood supply reaching the kidneys reducing filtration of blood.
Renal - where there is intrinsic disease within the kidney that leads to the reduced filtration of blood
Post renal - caused by obstruction to the outflow of urine from the kidney, causing back-pressure into the kidney and reduced kidney function. This is called an obstructive uropathy
What are the commonest causes of AKI?
Cardiogenic shock
Major Surgery
Nephrotoxins
Sepsis
Give some Pre-renal causes of AKI?
Dehydration
Hypotension (shock)
Heart failure
Give some Renal Causes of AKI?
Glomerulonephritis
Interstitial nephritis
Acute tubular necrosis
Nephrotoxic Drugs (DAMN)
What are the DAMN drugs that cause nephrotoxicity?
Diuretics
ACEis/ARBs
Metformin
NSAIDs
Give some Post renal Causes of AKI?
Kidney stones
Masses such as cancer in the abdomen or pelvis
Ureter or uretral strictures
Enlarged prostate or prostate cancer
Give some examples of drugs that are nephrotoxic
NSAIDs
ACEi
ARBs
Aminoglycosides - gentamicin
Diuretics
What is the pathophysiology of AKI?
Impaired ability of the kidneys to filter the blood.
This leads to accumulation of substances that are usually excreted
Can lead to damage of the nephron and kidney
What substances will accumulate in AKI?
K+ - hyperkalaemia - arrythmias
Urea - Hyperuraemia - Pruritis and confusion
Fluid - oedema - pulmonary and peripheral
H+ - acidosis
What are the symptoms of AKI?
Sx of underlying cause:
Sx of accumulation of substances:
Encephalopathy - confusion/drowsiness
Pericarditis
Skin manifestations
Oedema
Dyspnoea
Oligouria
Metabolic acidosis
Arrythmias
Haematuria/proteinuria
What are some clinical signs of AKI?
Signs of hypovolaemia may be present:
reduced BP
Reduced skin turgor
Uraemic skin changes
Signs of volume overload may be present:
Bibasal crackles
Raised JVP
Peripheral oedema
Palpable bladder
What are the primary investigations for AKI?
Establish cause - Pre/Renal/Post
+ diagnose with KDIGO classification
U&Es + electrolytes
FBC/CRP check for infection
Kidney biopsy - intra renal damage
Uss - post renal obstruction
What is a good way to establish whether AKI is caused by pre/renal/post renal cause?
Urea:Creatine Ratio
U:Cr > 100:1 = pre-renal
U:Cr < 40:1 = renal
U:Cr 40-100:1 = Post renal
What is the treatment for AKI?
Tx complications:
Hyperkalaemia - Calcium gluconate
Metabolic acidosis- Sodium Bicarbonate
Give IV fluids - if hypovolaemic
Tx underlying cause - STOP nephrotoxic drugs
Last resort - Renal Replacement Therapy (dialysis)
What are the indications for RRT?
Acidosis (pH < 7.1)
Fluid overload (oedema)
Uremia that is symptomatic
Hyperkalaemia >6.5 or ECG changes
What are some potential complications of RRT?
CVD - MI
Infection
What are the major complications of AKI?
Hyperkalaemia
Fluid overload, heart failure and pulmonary oedema
Metabolic acidosis
Uraemia (high urea) can lead to encephalopathy or pericarditis
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
Progressive decline in renal Function where GFR <60ml/Min for more than 3 months
What are the common causes of CKD?
Diabetes
Hypertension
Age-related decline
Glomerulonephritis
Polycystic kidney disease
Medications such as NSAIDS, proton pump inhibitors and lithium
What are the risk factors for CKD?
Older age
Hypertension (most common)
Diabetes (most common)
Smoking
Renal artery stenosis
PKD
Use of medications that affect the kidneys
Nephrotoxic Drugs
What are the stages of CKD?
Classified based on eGFR:
G1 = eGFR >90 w/Renal signs
G2 = eGFR 60-89 w/ Renal signs
G3a = eGFR 45-59
G3b = eGFR 30-44
G4 = eGFR 15-29
G5 = eGFR <15 (known as “end-stage renal failure”)
What are the best readings to quantify CKD?
eGFR
Urine Albumin:Creatine Ratio (ACR)
What is the pathophysiology of CKD?
Many nephrons are damaged in CKD which reduces GFR
Increased burden on remaining functional nephrons
Compensatory RAAS in response to lower GFR which increases transglomerular pressure.
This leads to shearing and loss of basement membrane selective permeability leading to proteinurea (loss of filtration ability)
Angiotensin II upregulates TGF-B and PAI-1 which leads to increased scarring of functional nephrons
What are the symptoms of CKD?
Early - ASx due to lots of nephrons in reserve
Sx of CKD arise secondary to substance accumulation and renal damage:
Pruritus (itching)
Lethargy
Anorexia
Nausea
Oedema
Muscle cramps
Peripheral neuropathy
What are the clinical signs of CKD?
Hypertension
Pallor
Fluid Overload
Evidence of underlying aetiology
What is the prognosis of CKD correlated with?
Poorly controlled HTN
Proteinuria
Degree of scarring on histology
What are the key complications of CKD?
Anaemia - due to reduced EPO
Renal bone disease (osteodystrophy due to lack of Vit D activation)
Cardiovascular disease
Peripheral neuropathy
Dialysis related problems
What are the primary investigations in CKD?
U&E - eGFR
Urine Albumin:Creatine Ratio (ACR) - >3mmol/l
Urine Dipstick - Haematuria/Proteinuria
Renal USS - Bilateral atrophied Kidneys
FBC - Normocytic Normochromatic Anaemia (due to Dec EPO)
What are the differences Ix findings between AKI and CKD?
Hx:
AKI shorter Sx onset
CKD - 3 month Hx
AKI - Serum Creatine Inc : Urine output Dec
CKD - Decreased eGFR
AKI - no Anaemia
CKD - Anaemia due to EPO
AKI USS - normal
CKD USS - Bilateral atrophied kidneys
What is the aim of management in CKD?
Slow the progression of the disease
Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Reduce the risk of complications
Treating complications
What is the management of CKD?
Tx underlying cause to prevent further deterioration
Tx complications:
Oral sodium bicarbonate to treat metabolic acidosis
Iron supplementation and erythropoietin to treat anaemia
Vitamin D to treat renal bone disease
Dialysis in end stage renal failure
Renal transplant in end stage renal failure
How can CKD progression be slowed?
Optimise diabetic control
Optimise hypertensive control
Treat glomerulonephritis
How can the risk of CKD complications be reduced?
Exercise, maintain healthy weight, stop smoking
Special dietary advice
Offer Atorvastatin for primary prevention of CVD
What is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)?
Inflammation in response to an infection that occurs anywhere along the Urinary Tract from the kidneys to the urethra
What are the classifications of UTIs?
Upper UTI:
Kidneys - Pyelonephritis
Lower UTI:
Bladder - Cystitis
Prostate - Prostatitis
Epidiymo-Orchiditis
Urethra - Urethritis
Uncomplicated Vs Complicated
What are the organisms that generally cause UTIs?
KEEPS:
Klebsiella (10% - catheter associated)
E.coli - (UPEC) most common > 50%
Enterobacter
Proteus 10-15%
S.Saprophyticus
P. aeruginosa - recurrent UTI/underlying pathology
What is the most common cause of a UTI?
UPEC:
Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (80% of uncomplicated UTIs)
Who are most affected by UTIs?
Women - Due to a shorter urethra and closer to the anus therefore it is easier for bacteria to colonise and cause and infection
Post-menopause - Absence of Oestrogen increases risk
What are some pathological mechainisms of getting UTIs?
Catheterisation allowing colonisation
Bowel Flora from perineum (often females)
Reduced flow:
Obstruction (prostate, stones)
Low Urinary volume
Stasis during pregnancy
What are the general symptoms of a UTI?
Fever may be only Sx
Abdominal pain, particularly suprapubic pain/discomfort
Vomiting
Dysuria (painful urination)
Urinary frequency
Incontinence
Nocturia
Delirium/Confusion in elderly Px
How are UTIs Diagnosed / what would you find?
1st Line: Urine Dipstick
+tve Leukocytes
+tve Nitrites (bacterial breakdown product)
+/- Haematuria
Gold Standard: Mid-stream Urine Microscopy, Culture and Sensitivity (MC+S)
This confirms UTI and IDs pathogen
What would you look for on microscopy in a MC + S)?
WBC >10^4 wbc/ml
Bacteria >10^5 cfu/ul = infection
RBCs
What are some common Abx used to treat UTIs in the community?
Nitrofurantoin (now more commonly used)
Trimethoprim
+ Amoxicillin, Cefalexin
Why is Trimethoprim used less to treat UTIs these days?
Due to much higher levels of antibiotic resistance
What is the treatment for someone who is 65yrs + and has asymptomatic bacteriuria?
Do NOT treat
What is the treatment for someone who is pregnant and has asymptomatic bacteriuria?
Give treatment (Nitro/Trim depending on trimester) as 20-40% will go on to develop pyelonephritis
What is Pyelonephritis?
Upper UTI of the renal parenchyma and upper ureter at the renal pelvis
When would you avoid treating a UTI with Trimethoprim?
First trimester of pregnancy as it interferes with folic acid synthesis
When would you avoid treating a UTI with Nitrofurantoin?
Third trimester of pregnancy as there is a risk of Neonatal Haemolysis
What do UTIs during pregnancy increase the risk of?
Pyelonephritis
Premature rupture of membranes
Pre-term Labour
What is a major risk of catheterisation?
Become colonised with bacteria within a few days.
Can cause serious UTIs
What are some complications of long term cathetisation?
UTIs/Pyelonephritis
Stones
Obstruction
Chronic Inflammation
What are risk factors for Pyelonephritis?
Female sex <35yrs
Urine stasis (due to stones)
Catheters
Structural urological abnormalities
Vesico-ureteric reflux (urine refluxing from the bladder to the ureters – usually in children)
Diabetes
What is the most common causative organism of Pyelonephritis?
E.coli
What is the pathophysiology of Pyelonephritis?
- Infection is mostly due to bacteria (primarily E.coli) from own patients bowel
flora - Most common via the ascending transurethral route
Other causes can be via Haematogenous/lymphatic spread
What is the classical presentation of Pyelonephritis?
Triad:
Loin Pain
Fever
Pyuria - pus in pee
+ nausea/vomiting
Anorexia
Haematuria
Renal angle Tenderness
What is the primary investigation for Pyelonephritis?
1st Line: Urine Dipstick
Gold Standard: Urine MC+S
USS - rule out obstructions
What is the management of pyelonephritis?
Hydration/fluid replacement
IV antibiotics – broad spectrum e.g. Co-amoxiclav ± Gentamicin
Ciprofloxacin
Pregnancy - Cefalexin
Drain obstructed kidney
Catheter
Analgesia
Complete 7-14 days (depending on choice of antibiotic)
What are some complications for Pyelonephritis?
Renal Abscesses (common in diabetics)
Emphysematous Pyelonephritis
What are the main symptoms of lower UTI?
Dysuria
Frequency
What is Cystitis?
Urinary infection of the bladder
Commonly due to UPEC
Who is affected by Cystitis?
More common in women
Can occur in children
What are the risk factors for Cystitis?
- Urinary obstruction resulting in urinary stasis
- Previous damage to bladder epithelium
- Bladder stones
- Poor bladder emptying
What is a classical presentation of Cystitis?
Suprapubic tenderness + discomfort
Increased frequency
Increase urgency
Visible Haematuria
What is the primary Investigations to diagnose Cystitis?
1st Line: Urine Dipstick
Gold Standard: Urine MC+S
What is the treatment for Cystitis?
First line:
Trimethoprim/Nitrofurantoin
Cefalexin
Second Line:
Co-amoxiclav/Ciprofloxacin
What is Urethritis?
Inflammation in the urethra due to infection
What is the most common cause of Urethritis?
Sexually acquired condition:
Non-Gonococcal (Chlamydia) - More common
Gonococcal - Less common
Non infective - trauma
What are the risk factors for Urethritis?
Male Gay sex
Unprotected sex
What is the presentation of Urethritis?
Dysuria +/- urethral discharge (blood/pus)
Urethral pain
What is the diagnostic test for Urethritis?
NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) - detects STI pathogen (NG/CT)
Urine Dipstick + Urine MC+S if UTI
What is the treatment for urethritis?
N.G - IM Ceftriaxone + Azithromycin
C.T - Azithromycin (or Doxycycline)
What is Epididymo-Orchitis?
Inflammation of the epididymus which extends to the testes often secondary to urethritis (STI) or Cystitis.
What are the symptoms of Epididymo-Orchitis?
Unilateral scrotal pain and swelling
Pain relieved when elevating testes
(DDx - testicular Torsion which is much more acute and N+v)
What diagnostic investigations are done for Epididymo-Orchitis?
NAAT
Urine Dipstick
Urine MC+S
What is the treatment for Epididymo-Orchitis?
Depends on underlying cause:
STI/UTI to determine Abx
What is an uncomplicated UTI?
A UTI in a healthy NON-PREGNANT women with a normally functioning urinary tract
What is a complicated UTI?
Most other UTIs (not in non-preggo women)
A UTI in a man
A Px who has abnormal urinary tract (eg. stones)
Systemic disease involving the kidney
What is significant about complicated UTIs?
Treatment failure is more likely
Complications are more likely:
Renal papillary necrosis
Renal Abscesses
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
A common urological condition in elderly men
where there is increased size of the prostate gland
without the presence of malignancy
that results in lower urinary tract symptoms
What are the risk factors for BPH?
Increased age
Afro-Caribbean (increased testosterone)
Castration is protective
What is the pathophysiology of BPH?
Inner transition zone of the prostate gland proliferates
This can lead to compression on the urethra to narrow/block it leading to urinary Symptoms
What are the typical Symptoms that occur in BPH?
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS):
- Nocturia (>30% voided volume at night)
- Frequency
- Urgency
- Post-micturition dribbling
- Poor stream/flow
- Hesitancy
- Overflow incontinence
- Haematuria
- Delay in initiation of micturition
- Incomplete emptying of bladder
What are symptoms of Urinary Storage?
Fequency
Urgency
Nocturia (>30%)
Incontinence