Renal Flashcards
What is hypernatraemia?
Serum sodium levels >145mmol/L
Give 4 symptoms of hypernatraemia
Lethargy Thirst Weakness Irritability Confusion Coma Fits Signs of dehydration
Give 4 hypotonic causes of hypernatraemia
Vomiting Diarrhoea Burns Diabetes insipidus Osmotic diuresis
Give 2 causes of normotonic hypernatraemia
Primary aldosteronism
Iatrogenic (excess IV saline)
How is hypernatraemia managed?
Replace water loss orally
Can give 5% glucose slowly (1L/6hrs) or 0.9% saline if hypotonic
What is hyponatremia?
Serum sodium <135 mmol/L
Give 5 symptoms of hyponatremia
Anorexia Nausea Malaise Headache Irritability Confusion Weakness Seizures Increased risk of falls
Give 3 causes of hypervolaemic hyponatraemia
Nephrotic syndrome
Heart failure
Liver cirrhosis
Renal failure
Give 4 causes of hypovolaemic hyponatraemia
Diarrhoea Vomiting Trauma Small bowel obstruction Addison's disease Renal failure Osmotic diuresis Diuretic excess
Give 3 causes of normovolaemic hyponatraemia
SIADH
Severe hypothyroidism
Glucocorticoid insufficiency
Iatrogenic (excessive IV 5% glucose)
How is chronic hyponatraemia managed?
Fluid restriction
ADH antagonist
Treat underlying cause
How is acute symptomatic hyponatraemia managed?
Rehydration slowly
Furosemide
ADH antagonist
How is hyponatraemia treated in an emergency?
1.8% saline given at 70 mmol of Na+ per hour alongside Furosemide
What is hyperkalaemia?
Serum potassium >6.5 mmol/L
What are the symptoms of hyperkalaemia?
Fast irregular pulse, chest pain, weakness, palpitations, lightheadedness
What ECG changes are seen in hyperkalaemia?
Tall tented T waves
Increased PR interval
Absent P wave
Widened QRS complex
Give 5 potential causes of hyperkalaemia
Oliguric renal failure K+ sparing diuretics Rhabdomyolysis Metabolic acidosis Addison's disease Burns ACE inhibitors
How is hyperkalaemia managed in a non-emergency?
Treat underlying cause
Calcium resonium 15g/8hrs
How is hyperkalaemia managed in an emergency?
Calcium gluconate 10% (30ml) IV insulin (10 units) in 25g of glucose Salbutamol nebuliser (10-20mg)
What is hypokalaemia?
Serum potassium <2.5 mmol/L
What are the symptoms of hypokalaemia?
Muscle weakness, hypotonia, hyporeflexia, cramps, tetany, palpitations, lightheadedness, constipation
What ECG changes are seen in hypokalaemia?
Small or inverted T waves
U waves
Long PR interval
Depressed ST segments
Give 5 causes of hypokalaemia
Diuretics Vomiting Diarrhoea Cushing's syndrome Steroid excess Conn's syndrome Alkalosis Pyloric stenosis Renal tubular failure
How is hypokalaemia treated?
Oral K+ supplement
Swap to K+ sparing diuretic
Can give IV potassium if severe
What is hypercalcaemia?
Serum calcium >2.6 mmol/L
Give 5 symptoms of hypercalcaemia
Bones, stones, groans and psychiatric moans Abdominal pain Vomiting Constipation Polyuria Polydipsia Depression Anorexia Weight loss Tiredness Weakness High blood pressure Confusion Pyrexia Renal stones Renal failure Ectopic calcification
What ECG change is seen in hypercalcaemia?
Reduced QT intervl
Give 4 causes of hypercalcaemia
Bone metastases Primary hyperparathyroidism Sarcoidosis Thyrotoxicosis Lithium use HIV
How is hypercalcaemia treated?
IV 0.9% saline to correct dehydration
Bisphosphonates
Treat the cause
What is hypocalcaemia?
Serum calcium <2.1 mmol/L
What are the symptoms of hypocalcaemia?
SPASMODIC Spasms Perioral paresthesia Anxious Seizures Muscle tone increased Orientation impaired (confusion) Dermatitis Impetigo infection Choreoarthritis, cataracts, cardiomyopathy
What is Chvostek’s sign?
In hypocalcaemia, the corner of the mouth twitches if the facial nerve is tapped
What is Trousseau’s sign?
In hypocalcemia when a blood pressure cuff is inflated. The reduced blood flow to the hand causes ischaemia so the hand contracts
Give 3 causes of hypocalcaemia alongside a raised phosphate
CKD
Hypoparathyroidism
Rhabdomyolysis
Hypomagnesaemia
Give 3 causes of hypocalcaemia alongside a normal or lowered phosphate
Vitamin D deficiency Osteomalacia Acute pancreatitis Overhydration Respiratory alkalosis
How is hypocalcaemia treated?
Mild: Calcium 5 mmol/6hr PO
Severe: 10 ml 10% calcium gluconate IV over 30 minutes
What is glomerulonephritis?
A term for a number of conditions which affect the glomerulus.
What are the 3 main nephrotic syndromes?
Minimal change
Focal segmental glomerulonephritis
Membranous
What are the 3 main nephritic syndromes?
IgA nephropathy
Goodpasture’s syndrome
Vasculitis disorder
What is a UTI?
Infection of the ureter, bladder or prostate
What are the 2 most common microbial causes of a UTI?
E.coli
Staphylococcus saprophyticus
Give 4 risk factors for developing a UTI
Sexual activity Urinary incontinence Diabetes Dehydration Immunosuppression Pregnancy Renal tract malformation Elderly
Give 3 symptoms of a UTI
Increased urinary frequency Dysuria Urgency Suprapubic pain Polyuria Haematuria
What tests can be done to diagnose a UTI?
Urine dipstick
MSU culture
FBC, U&Es, CRP
Ultrasound scan (recurrent UTIs)