Kidney diseases

Question 1

Kidney function

Answer 1

• Eliminate waste materials
• Regulate electrolyte/fluid/pH balance
• Production of hormones

Question 2

Symptoms of renal dysfunction

Answer 2

• Dysuria
• Haematuria
• Urinary retention
• Polyuria
• Oliguria
• Pain of the renal tract

Question 3

Nephritis

Answer 3

Inflammation of any part of the kidney

Question 4

Glomerulonephritis

Answer 4

Cause = immunologically-mediated injury to the glomerulus

Immune complexes formed in the blood may become deposited in the kidney, leading to damage to the glomerulus

Damage to the glomerulus widens the ultafiltration barrier, allowing larger proteins to flow out into the urine

Question 5

Acute nephritic syndrome

Answer 5

Cause = group B strep

Symptoms = haematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, oedema, oliguria, uraemia

Treatment = supportive measures until spontaneous recovery

Question 6

Nephrotic syndrome

Answer 6

Occurs due to basal membrane damage

Symptoms = proteinuria, hypoalbuminaemia, hyperlipidaemia, oedema

Treatment = steroids, bed rest, dietary salt restriction

Question 7

Renal failure

Answer 7

Failure of renal excretory function due to depression of glomerular filtration rate

Leads to failure of erythropoietin production, failure of vitamin D hydroxylation and improper pH balancing

Question 8

Acute renal failure

Answer 8

Reversible loss of renal function leading to a build-up of toxic waste products in the blood

Causes = hypovolaemic shock, acute tubular necrosis, obstruction

Symptoms = oliguria, oedema, increased plasma creatinine, hyperkalaemia, metabolic acidosis, uraemic syndrome

Treatment = treat underlying cause, dialysis

Question 9

Chronic renal failure

Answer 9

Long-standing progressive impairment in renal function

Causes = diabetes, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis, nephrotoxins

Symptoms = uraemic syndrome, nocturia, polyuria, oedema