Renal Flashcards
Urinary Tract Infection
Common infection which is important to investigate properly in children due to potential for structural abnormalities in the urinary tract and scarring of the kidneys if pyelonephritis develops which can lead to renal failure.
Common organisms that cause UTI
: E coli, Klebsiella, Proteus, Pseudomonas
Symptoms of UTI in infants
Fever, vomiting, lethargy, poor feeding, jaundice, septicaemia, smelly urine and febrile convulsions
Symptoms of UTI in Older Children
Dysuria, abdominal pain, fever, lethargy, vomiting/diarrhoea, haematuria, smelly/cloudy urine
Ix for UTI
A clean catch urine sample needs to be collected for dipstick which often can be very difficult for children. - In the older child, a midstream urine sample can be used and cultured. - Ultrasound of urinary tract and kidneys
Management of UTI
Antibiotics - IV for all those <3 months e.g Cefotaxime
Atypical UTI Symptoms/Signs
- Seriously ill/Septicaemia - Poor urine flow - Abdominal mas - Raised creatinine - Failure to respond to Abx within 48 hours - Infection with non E coli organism
What happens to people presenting with Atypical UTIs?
All those with an atypical UTI should undergo ultrasound to look for abnormalities with potential DMSA and MCUG scans to look for scarring and vesicoureteric reflux.
UTI Prevention
- High fluid intake to produce a high urine output - Regular voiding - Ensuring complete bladder emptying - Prevention/Treatment of constipation - Prophylactic Abx can be considered
What is pediatric pyelonephritis?
Pediatric pyelonephritis is an infection of the kidneys in children, typically resulting from bacteria ascending from the bladder to the kidneys, leading to inflammation and potential kidney damage.
Which bacterium is most commonly responsible for pediatric pyelonephritis?
A) Klebsiella species
B) Escherichia coli
C) Pseudomonas aeruginosa
D) Enterococcus species
B) Escherichia coli
List common risk factors for developing pyelonephritis in children.
Bladder dysfunction
Bladder obstruction
Neurogenic bladder
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR)
Use of urinary catheters
True or False: Fever and flank pain are specific indicators of pyelonephritis in children.
False. While fever and flank pain are common in pyelonephritis, they are neither sensitive nor specific indicators.
In infants, the most common presenting findings in pyelonephritis are _______ and _______.
Fever and irritability
Which imaging modality is considered the most reliable for diagnosing acute pyelonephritis in children?
A) Ultrasound
B) CT Scan
C) DMSA Scan
D) MRI
C) DMSA Scan
What laboratory findings are commonly associated with pediatric pyelonephritis?
Elevated peripheral white blood cell counts
Elevated nonspecific markers of inflammation
Which of the following is an appropriate oral antibiotic for treating acute pyelonephritis in children?
A) Amoxicillin/clavulanate
B) Ciprofloxacin
C) Doxycycline
D) Azithromycin
A) Amoxicillin/clavulanate
True or False: A 5-day course of antibiotics is sufficient for treating acute pyelonephritis in children.
False. A 10-day treatment regimen is recommended for children with suspected pyelonephritis.
Name potential complications of untreated pyelonephritis in children.
Kidney scarring
High blood pressure
Reduced kidney function
Sepsis
Meningitis (in infants)
Prompt medical care for children with a UTI and _______ is critical to prevent possible permanent kidney damage.
Fever.
True or False: Acute pyelonephritis is a rare bacterial illness during childhood.
False. Acute pyelonephritis is one of the most serious bacterial illnesses during childhood.
Which of the following ultrasound findings may indicate pyelonephritis?
A) Kidney enlargement
B) Loss of corticomedullary differentiation
C) Abscess formation
D) All of the above
D) All of the above
Define pyelonephritis.
Pyelonephritis is inflammation of the kidney, typically due to a bacterial infection, leading to symptoms such as fever, flank tenderness, and urinary abnormalities.
What are the long-term management strategies for children with recurrent pyelonephritis?
Investigate for underlying anatomical abnormalities
Consider long-term preventive antibiotic treatment
Monitor kidney function regularly
Nocturnal Enuresis
Known as ‘bed wetting’, this is a common problems of middle childhood
Causes of Nocturnal Enuresis
There is a genetically determined delay in acquiring sphincter competence and emotional stress can cause secondary enuresis however underlying disorders should always be considered: 1. UTI 2. Faecal retention which is severe enough to reduce bladder volume and cause bladder dysfunction 3. Polyuria from osmotic diuresis
Management of Nocturnal Enuresis
Explanation to the child and the parent that this is common and beyond conscious control - Star charts - Enuresis Alarm -Desmopressin
What is the function of an enuresis alarm ?
sounds when it becomes wet to awaken the child
Desmopressin function
used to provide short term relief from bedwetting
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Acute renal failure with oliguria (<0.5ml/kg/hour) is usually present
Prerenal causes of AKI
Hypovolaemia caused by infections such as gastroenteritis, burns, sepsis, haemorrhage and nephrotic syndrome
Renal causes of AKI
HUS, vasculitis, renal vein thrombosis, acute tubular necrosis, glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis
Post Renal causes of AKI
obstructions such as posterior urethral valves, blocker catheters
Management of AKI
- Regular monitoring of circulation and fluid balance 2. Ultrasound scan to identify any obstruction of the urinary tract 3. Treatment depending upon the cause e.g. fluid replacement, assessment of the site of obstruction, renal biopsy 4. Dialysis in severe cases
What is the most common cause of AKI in children?
Pre renal causes
Chronic Renal Failure
eGFR < 15ml/min
Causes of Chronic Renal Failure
- Structural malformations - Glomerulonephritis - Hereditary nephropathies - Systemic diseases
Symptoms of Chronic Renal Failure
- Symptoms generally do not develop until renal function falls to less than ⅓ of normal and is often picked up on antenatal ultrasound - Anorexia and lethargy - Polydipsia and polyuria - Faltering growth
- HTN
- Acute-on-chronic renal failure precipitated by infection/dehydration
- Incidental finding of proteinuria
Managment of Chronic Renal Failure
- Sufficient feeding with good protein intake to maintain growth -> this can supplemented with NG/gastrostomy feeding if necessary - Phosphate restriction and activated vit D to prevent renal osteodystrophy - Bicarbonate supplements to prevent acidosis - EPO to prevent anaemia - Growth hormone - Dialysis and transplantation if necessary
Nephrotic Syndrome
When the basement membrane in the glomerulus becomes highly permeable to protein resulting in protein leaking into the urine
Nephrotic Syndrome - 3 key features
Proteinuria, Hypoalbuminaemia, Oedema
Nephrotic Syndrome - Proteinuria values
Proteinuria with 3+/4+ on urine dipstick or a urine protein:creatinine ratio of >200mmg/mol
Nephrotic Syndrome - Hypoalbuminaemia value
Hypoalbuminaemia <25g/l
Primary causes of Nephrotic Syndrome
Primary is generally an idiopathic cause (80-90%)