GU Block I Flashcards
What is a nephrologist
Nephrology is a subspecialty of internal medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the kidney.
What is a urologist
Urology is a surgical specialty that deals with diseases of the male and female urinary tract and male reproductive organs.
What is a independent signifigant risk factor for cancer and ESRD
Persistent, isolated, asymptomatic, microscopic hematuria is an independently significant risk factor
A postive dipstick for UA leads to what
Microscopy
When is microscopy best
Clean catch,
midstream sample preferred
-1st morning void best for microscopy
-Test within an hour or refrigerate
Large numbers of Transitional Epithelial Cells in a UA
Think..
Neoplasm
Confirm with Urinary cytology
Renal tubular cells are ALWAYS….
Clinically relevant
What is the threshold for RBCs in the urine
Presence of > 3 RBCs per HPF is considered significant & warrants further investigation
R/O menstruation in female patients
What shape of RBCs indicates nephritic syndrome
Dysmorphic shape
What is the threshold for WBCs in the urine
Presence of > 5 leukocytes per HPF is considered pyuria
Neutrophils → consider bacterial infection
Eosinophils → consider allergic interstitial nephritis
Where are Casts formed
Formed in distal convoluted tubules (DCTs) & collecting ducts
Precipitation of Tamm-Horsfall mucoprotein forming an ‘organic matrix”
What is the hallmark of Glomerulonephritis
Red Blood Cell Casts
What is the cast seen in acute tubular necrosis
Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Casts
What Dz is associated with White cell Casts
Characteristic of acute pyelonephritis & useful in distinguishing this disorder from lower tract infections.
May also be seen in acute interstitial nephritis (eosinophils).
When would you see granular casts (MUDDY)
Nonspecific, but usually pathologic (correlate clinically) for acute tubular necrosis (ATN).
When would you see Waxy Casts
Represents end stage disintegration of cellular casts
Indicates severe urine stasis in renal tubules
Frequently found in cases of chronic renal failure
Seen in CKD!
When would you see Broad Casts
Formed in tubules that have become dilated & atrophic due to chronic parenchymal disease
Indicative of severe urinary stasis in renal tubules
Suggestive of end-stage renal failure
What do fatty casts tell you
Found in numerous renal diseases & are particularly associated w/ nephrotic syndrome
What is the most common yeast found in urine
Candida
When should you order a Urine Culture
Order in cases of suspected UTI or Pyelonephritis
100,000 Colony Forming Units (CFUs) is considered “positive”
Slide 34, cast in summary Lecture 1
Increased BUN indicates
Dehydration Reduced renal perfusion (congestive heart failure, hypovolemia) ↑ Dietary protein Accelerated catabolism (fever, trauma, GI bleeding) Steroids Tetracycline
Decreased BUN indicates
Over-hydration
↑ Renal perfusion (
pregnancy, SIADH)
Restriction of dietary protein/malnutrition
Liver disease
(impaired metabolism of ammonia to urea)
An increased BUN:Cr of 20:1
Look for
prerenal & postrenal azotemia
AKI
What would a BUN:Cr be in dehydration
increase to 20:1 or higher
How will the BUN:Cr be in intrinsic renal dz
Decreased
What are the two regulators of GFR
2 main regulation mechanisms
Control of blood flow in & out of glomerulus:
-By changing diameter of afferent & efferent arterioles.
-Control of glomerular surface area:
Via contraction or relaxation of mesangial cells.
How do you do a timed urine collection for creatinine
One way to measure creatinine clearance is to perform a timed urine collection and determine the plasma creatinine level midway through the collection.
What is Cystatin C
Prominent non-traditional renal biomarker for GFR estimation and is less influenced by muscle mass, age, and sex.
More strongly associated with adverse non-renal outcomes (e.g., Death) compared to serum creatinine.
What Fractional excretion of sodium used for
Used when suspecting an acute kidney injury (AKI)
If the FE-NA is less than 1%
From decreased kidney profusion
Kidneys retain Na &
water to ↑ intravascular volume, so urine Na is low
If FE-NA is greater than 1%
Intrinsic renal disease
Kidney loses Na inappropriately, so urine Na is high
When should you do a Kidney Biopsy
To confirm the extent of renal involvement and to guide management.
Unexplained AKI or CKD, proteinuria, and hematuria
Systemic diseases associated with kidney dysfunction:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), anti-GBM disease (Goodpasture syndrome), and granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
- Kidney transplant dysfunction and evaluation for transplant rejection.
Define osmolality
the concentration of a solution expressed as the total number of solute particles per kilogram.
Define osmolarity
the concentration of a solution expressed as the total number of solute particles per liter.
Define tonicity
the ability of an extracellular solution to make water move into or out of a cell by osmosis.
A solution’s tonicity is related to itsosmolarity, which is the total concentration of all solutes in the solution.
What is the gold standard for renal electrolyte excretion
Fraction (24 hour urine collection)
What is a osmolol gap
An osmolal gap suggests the presence of unmeasured osmoles such as ethanol, methanol, ethylene glycol, mannitol, propylene glycol, and isopropanol.
What stimulates osmo- receptors
Osmoreceptors are stimulated by a rise in tonicity.
WHat is the primary stimulus for ADH secretion
Hypertonicity
Define Severe Hyponatremia
Severe (below 125 mEq/L)
Define isotonic Hyponatremia
Isotonic hyponatremia (pseudohyponatremia): is a laboratory error underestimating sodium concentration in an abnormally elevated percentage of serum that is solid rather than liquid (hyperlipidemia or hyperproteinemia). Mostly older analyzers.
What are the two classic types of hypertonic Hyponatremia
Hypergl and Mannitol
How can you determine if Hypovolemic hypotonic Hyponatremia is renal or extra renal
Renal (U/Na greater than 20mEq/L)
Extrarenal (U/Na below 10mEq/L)
What is the DDX for Euvolemic Hypotonic Hyponatremia
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone
- Hormonal abnormalities
- Psychogenic Polydipsia/Low Solute Diet
- Reset Osmostat
- Exercise induced Hyponatremia
Can you tell the difference between Hormonal abnormalities and SIADH
No
Severe hypothyroidism and glucocorticoid insufficiency can cause hyponatremia that cannot be differentiated from SIADH by urine or serum electrolytes alone.
What does psychogenic polydipsia lead to
This leads to the kidney’s retaining water, as they cannot excrete pure water.
How does the body respond to Hypervolemic Hypotonic Hyponatremia
Body sacrifices osmolality in an attempt to restore effective arterial blood volume.
A pt presents with hypotonic Hyponatremia with an absence of cardiovascular, kidney, or liver dz
Has normal thyroid and adrenal function
And a turbine sodium greater than 20
With a low BUN and hypourecemia
Think
SAIDH
Look at ADH levels if need be
How do you sodium correct chronic hypotonic Hyponatremia
For chronic hypotonic hyponatremia, generally recommend 4-6 mEq/L/24 h and no more than 6-8 mEq/L/24 h.
Avoid rapid shifts that may lead to osmotic demyelination syndrome.
This is a neurologic disorder characterized by flaccid paralysis, dysarthria, and dysphagia.
How do we treat Hypovolemic Hypotonic Hyponatremia
Address the underlying etiology
Fluid resuscitation, usually with isotonic fluid, to suppress the hypovolemic stimulus for ADH release.
Give fluids
What is the tx approach to Hypervolemic Hypotonic Hyponatremia
Goal is to remove salt and water…but more water.
Tolvaptan (AVP V2 receptor antagonist) is just as effective as 3% saline for correcting hyponatremia at 48hrs.
Consider diuretics
Patients with severe acute/chronic kidney generally require dialysis.
What medication can be used to Tx SIADH
Tolvaptan
What is the tx option for acute SZR Hyponatremia
Acute (Seizures) 100 mL of 3% hypertonic saline infused over 10 minutes – Goal is symptom reversal.
24-hour correction goal rate
(4-6 mEq/L) is still recommended after symptoms reversal.
Avoid demyelination from rapid correction
Chronic –100 mL of 3% hypertonic saline given at an initial rate of 0.5-2 mL/kg/Hr
What are the S.s of hyper Na
Lethargy, irritability, and weakness are early signs.
Hyperthermia, delirium, seizures and coma are seen in severe hypernatremia.
Symptoms may be delayed as water shifts from the cells to intravascular space to protect volume status.
Symptoms in older adults may be nonspecific.
What is the treatment for hypernatremia with euvolemia
Water ingestion or intravenous 5% dextrose in water will result in the excretion of excess sodium in urine.
What is the tx for hypernatremia with Hypervolemia
Hypernatremia with hypervolemia
- Treatment includes 5% dextrose solution to reduce hyperosmolality.
- Loop diuretics may be necessary to promote natriuresis and lower total body sodium.
- May require hemodialysis.
What is the most common cause of Hypokalemia
Most common cause is gastrointestinal loss from infectious diarrhea.
Hypokalemia in the presence of acidosis suggests profound potassium depletion.
Loop diuretics can cause substantial renal potassium and magnesium losses.
A pt presents with Flaccid paralysis, hyporeflexia, hypercapnia, tetany, and rhabdomyolysis.
think what electrolyte
Severe Hypokalemia
What is the tx for Hypokalemia
Oral potassium supplementation is the safest and easiest treatment for a mild to moderate deficiency.
Intravenous potassium is indicated for patients with severe hypokalemia or cannot tolerate oral intake.
Concentrations up to 40 mEq/L
What is the most common cause of hypocalcemia
The most common cause of hypocalcemia is advanced CKD, in which decreased production of active vitamin D3 and hyperphosphatemia both play a role.
What is the most common cause of low total serum calcium
Hypoalbunemia
What is the relationship to calcemia and vitamin d
True hypocalcemia implies insufficient action of PTH or active vitamin D.
What are the two major causes of hypercalcemia
Cancer and Hyperparathyroidism
At what level do calcium S/s usually manifest
Higher than 12 mg/dl
What is the tx approach to hypercalcemia
Aggressive hydration and calciuresis
Bisphosphates are the Tx of choice for hypercalcemia of malignancy
Calcitonin may be helpful in the short-term until bisphosphates reach therapeutic effect.
What is winters formula
PCO2 = 1.5 [HCO3]+8 ± 2.
Increased Anion Gap means
DKA
Uremia
Láctic acidosis
Define lactic acidosis
In lactic acidosis, lactate levels are at least 4–5 mEq/L but commonly 10–30 mEq/L.
What are the two major causes of normal gap acidosis
Gastrointestinal HCO3– loss
Defects in renal acidification (renal tubular acidosis)
define type 2 RTA
PROXIMAL!
Decreased threshold for bicarbonate reabsorption.
HCO3- wasting and urinary K losses occur until low level serum HCO3- causes reabsorption of HCO3-.
Urine becomes acidic until net acid production = acid secretion with low serum HCO3-
Define type 1 RTA
DISTAL!!
Failure to produce ammonia leads to inability excrete adequate net acid.
Serve Acidosis (<7.2)
Alkaline urine (pH >5.3)
Leads to stones
Define type 4 RTA
Type IV is the most common RTA in clinical practice.
The defect is aldosterone deficiency or antagonism, which impairs distal nephron Na+ reabsorption and K+ and H+ excretion.
Renal salt wasting and hyperkalemia are frequently present.
Common causes are diabetic nephropathy, tubulointerstitial renal diseases, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, and AIDS.
What is the treatment for high anion gap acidosis
Treatment is aimed at the underlying disorder, such as insulin and fluid therapy for diabetes and appropriate volume resuscitation to restore tissue perfusion.
Saline responsive alkalosis is a sign of…
extracellular volume contraction.
Saline unresponsive alkalosis implies
implies excessive total body bicarbonate with either euvolemia or hypervolemia.
How many red blood cells is required for hematuria
Greater than 3 per HPF
Define proteinuria
Urinary excretion of ≥150 mg/24hrs of protein
Define microalbuminuria
30-300 mg/day
Define macro albuminuria
Greater than 300 mg/day
Dip stick positive at this level
Define nephrotic proteinuria
Greater than 3.5 grams a day
Define overload proteinuria
Overload proteinuria: from overproduction of plasma proteins such as Bence Jones proteins
( plasma cell myeloma);
myoglobinuria
(rhabdomyolysis and hemoglobinuria).
What is the hallmark of DM nephropathy
Microalbuminuria
if a postive dipstick for protein occurs.. what is the next step
Repeat test w/ 1st morning void
—NOT after exercise
Scored from NEGATIVE to 4+
Consider up to 3 separate samples w/ urine microscopy
Dipstick primarily detects albumin
What is the gold standard protein urine assay
24-hour urine collection is the gold standard to quantify the level of protein excretion.
Normal value: <150 mg/day
What is the recommended screening for DM protienuria
Morning Spot Test
Albumin:Cr ratio
What is the role of the UPCR test
protein:creatinine ratio (UPCR)
Detects at higher level proteinuria
Better for monitoring of established proteinuria
What should you rule out in protineuria
Rule out Ortho proteinuria
Check a serum chemistry panel
Conduct a renal ultrasound
COnduct Urinary Electrophoresis
+/- renal biopsy
If a pt has established prtoineuria
What is the best test to monitory the progresssion
UPCR
Protein:creating level urine test (SPOT)
What is the Tx approach to proteinuria
Lowering proteinuria is more important than lowering BP w/ respect to CKD progression.
Goal: Lower proteinuria to <0.5 g/day
Use an ACEI or ARB (RAAS inhibitors)
Wt loss of 5% can decreases proteinuria by up to…
20-30%
Dietary protein restriction may be of some benefit In selected patients
In consultation w/ dietician
How many samples do you need to confirm hematuria
3 samples at least 1 week apart to confirm
Gross Hematuria in adults over age 40 is a sign of..
malignancy until proven otherwise!!
DDX of presence of blood throughout the urination stream
bladder or upper tract source
stone, tumor, tuberculosis, nephritic syndrome
What does PP on this stand for
Period (menses) Prostate, papillary necrosis Obstructive uropathy Nephritic syndrome (Inflammation) Trauma, tumor, tuberculosis, thrombosis (renal vein) Hematologic (blood disorder, sickle cell) Infection/inflammation Stones
What is the hematuria W/u
1st morning void is best
Dipstick can detect as few as 2 RBC/HPF
If positive → get 3 samples at least 1 week apart for confirmation
False positive dipstick results:
Myoglobinuria, hemoglobinuria, bacteria, concentrated urine, menses, vigorous exercise, beets/rhubarb
False negative dipstick results:
High vitamin C/ascorbic acid levels
If you have a positive dipstick UA for urine microscopy what is the next step
Confirm with microscopy
Repeat UA in 4-6 weeks
If a pt has persistent unexplained hematuria what is the assay of choice
Urinary Cytology
Highly sensitive and specific for detection of high-grade urothelial carcinoma.
When should you refer hematuria to nephrology
Persistent hematuria referral:
Nephrology if findings support renal parenchymal etiology.
When should you refer hematuria to urology
Calculi
Ureteral, cystic, or urethral origin
Define psuedo hematuria
Dipstick positive, microscopy negative
If the dipstick is positive for hematuria but the microscopy is negative
What is the DDX
Hemoglobinuria (Black urine)
Myoglobinuria ( Rhabdo, electric burns)
Beets, berries, food coloring
Drugs: pyrdium, sulfa, Nitrofurantoin, rifampin, Ibuprofen, phenytoin, levodopa
What is pyridium
Numbing medication for UTI that turns the urine orange
What is the best test to evaluate for bladder cancer
Cycsocopy
If you find a solid renal mass think
CA UPO
What is the C/I to US of the kidney
Unable to lay down
What type of ultrasound can look at the prostate
Transrectal US
What is the role of Doppler US
Useful for the evaluation renal vessels, and vascularity of renal masses
Acute testicular pain work-up
(i.e., torsion vs epididymitis)