Physiology-Intro to the Kidney Flashcards
What is the #1 cause of chronic kidney disease?
Diabetes
Why is stage 3 kidney disease (GFR 30-44 mL/min) the holy grail of kidney disease research?
Risk for mortality goes up 5x from stage 2 to stage 1.
Why is kidney transplant preferable to hemodialysis?
It costs 1/3 the price (78,000:27,000) and has fewer pathogenic effects on the body.
Who gets end stage renal disease?
Diabetes (40%), HTN (20%), Glomerulonephritis (20%), Polycystic Kidney Disease (10%).
What ethnic group is at highest risk for ESRD?
Blacks. APOL1 gene polymorphism has been shown to be associated with this.
What causes acute kidney injuries?
Pre-renal injuries (decreases renal blood flow), post-renal injuries (bladder/ureter obstruction) or intra-renal injuries (ischemia, drugs, immune system).
What do the kidneys do?
Regulate blood volume, acid-base balance, electrolytes, nitrogenous wast. Metabolize drugs. Hormonal activity.
