Nephrology Flashcards
What are the main functions of the kidney?
Filtering water soluble salts and ions from the blood
Reabsorption of necessary small molecules
Dilution or concentration of urine to optimise fluid balance
Regulation of BP
Metabolism of vitamin D
Regulation of acid-base balance
What is plasma creatinine a product of?
Muscle breakdown
What is a MAG3 renogram and what does it test for?
Dynamic scan of isotope-labelled substance excreted from blood into urine
Can identify VUR during micturition in children >age 4.
What are the negatives for performing an MCUG?
Invasive
Unpleasant
High radiation dose
Can introduce infection
How is a micturating cystourthrogram
(MCUG) performed and what does it test for mainly?
Contrast in introduced to the bladder via a catheter and visualised bladder and urethral anatomy
Looks for VUR and urethral obstruction
How is eGFR calculated?
31xheight(cm)/creatinine
How is a DMSA scan performed and what does it look for?
TC99m dimercaptosuccinic acid static scan of renal cortex
Detects functional defects e.g. scars or non-functioning renal tissue
How does renal agenesis usually present?
If bilateral with severe oligohydramnios and causes Potter syndrome which is fatal
How does Potter syndrome present?
Low set ears
Beaked nose
Prominent epicanthic folds
Downward slant to eyes
Limb deformities
Failure of fetal lung development
