Renal Flashcards
What stimulates Na reabsorption?
Na reabsorption increases extracellular volume
decreased BP and decreased NaCl @ macula densa -> renin release -> aldosterone release -> more Na/K pumps
what increases water reabsorption?
increased osmolality or decreased BP
-> ADH release
endocrine function of the kidney?
secretion of renin by juxtaglomerular apparatus
EPO synthesis
1α-hydroxylation of vitamin D (controlled by PTH)
carbonic anhydrase inhibitors?
MOA
inhibit carbonic anhydrase in PCT
- > ↓ HCO3 reabsorption → small ↑ Na loss
e. g. acetozalamide
use: glaucoma
SE: drowsiness, renal stones, metabolic acidosis

Loop diuretics MOA?
e.g. furosemide, bumetanide
MOA: inhibit Na/K/2Cl symporter in thick ascending limb
Effect: massive NaCl excretion, Ca and K excretion
Use: Tx of oedema – CCF, nephrotic syndrome, hypercalcaemia
SE: hypokalaemic met alkalosis, ototoxic, Hypovolaemia

e.g. of loop diuretics?
furosemide
bumetanide
e.g of carbonic anhydrase inhibtors?
acetazolamide
thiazide diuretics MOA?
e.g. bendroflumethiazide
MOA: inhibit NaCl co-transporter in DCT
Effect: moderate NaCl excretion, ↑ Ca reabsorption
Use: HTN, ↓ renal stones, mild oedema
SE: ↓K, hyperglycaemia, ↑ urate (CI in gout)

e.g. of thiazide diuretics?
bendroflumethiazine
K-sparing diuretics?
e.g. spironolactone - aldosterone antagonist
amiloride- blocks DCT/CD luminal Na channel
Effect: ↑ Na excretion, ↓K and H excretion
Use: used w loop or thiazide diuretics to control K loss, spiro has long-term benefits in aldosteronism (LF, HF)
SE: ↑K, anti-androgenic (e.g. gynaecomastia)

e.g. of k sparing diuretics?
spironolactone
amiloride
osmotic diuretics moa?
e.g. mannitol
MOA: freely filtered and poorly reabsorbed
Effect: ↓ brain volume and ↓ ICP
Use: glaucoma, ↑ICP , rhabdomyolysis
SE: ↓Na, pulmonary oedema, n/v
false +ve haematuria?
myoglobin, porphyria
menstrual blood
causes of proteinuria?
commonest:
DM
minimal change disease
membranous nephropathy
amyloidosis
SLE
other: HTN, UTI, ATN
definition of nephrotic syndrome?
proteinuria > 300mg/dL
what is a protein in the urine that wont be picked up on urine dipstick?
Bence-Jones proteins
(immunoglobulin light chain)
-> electrophoresis of urine
White cell casts in urine?
pyelonephritis
interstitial nephritis
what factors influence creatinine measurement?
creatinine synthesised during muscle turnover
increased muscle -> increased creatinine
age, sex, race
what influences urea measurement?
urea is produced from ammonia by liver
increases w protein meal (e.g. supplements, upper GI bleed)
decreases w hepatic impairment
decreased urine flow -> increased urea reabsorption (e.g. in dehydration)
raised Ur and Cr vs isolated raised Urea?
isolated raised urea = hypoperfusion/ dehydration -> decreased renal flow
increased urea and creatinine = decreased filtration ie. renal failure
causes of renal AKI?
glomerulonephritis
e.g. minimal change, membranous, post strep, IgA, rapidly progressive
acute tubular nephritis
interstitial disease
causes of post renal AKI?
obstruction
e.g. in renal pelvis, ureters, bladder or urethra
Stone
Inflammation: stricture
Neoplasm
Prostatic hypertrophy
Infection: TB, schisto
Neuro: post op, neuropathy
posterior urethral valves
causes of pre renal AKI?
shock
renal artery stenosis:
RAS
toxins: NSAIDS, ACEi
Thrombosis
Hepatorenal syndrome

presentation of renal failure?
uraemia
protein loss and Na+ retention
acidosis
hyperK
Anaemia
Vit D deficiency
how may uraemia present in a pt?
signs and symptoms
symptoms:
pruritus
anorexia, n/v, weight loss
lethargy
confusion
paraesthesia: neuropathy
pericarditis
signs:
pale, sallow skin
fits
coma
uraemic flap
confusion
how may protein loss and Na+ retention present in patients?
signs and symptoms
symptoms:
polyuria, polydipsia
oliguria, anuria
breathlessness
signs:
oedema
raised JVP
HTN
how may acidosis present in a pt?
signs and symptoms
signs:
Kussmaul respiration
symptoms:
breathlessness
confusion
how may hyperK present in a pt?
signs and symptoms
signs:
peaked T waves
flattened P waves
broad QRS
prolonged PR interval
sine wave pattern -> VF
symptoms:
palpitations
chest pain
weakness
how may anaemia present in a pt?
signs and symptoms
signs:
conjunctival pallor
pallor
tachycardia
flow murmurs (ESM @ apex)
symptoms:
breathlessness
lethargy
faintness
tinnitus
how may Vit D deficiency present in pts?
signs and symptoms
signs:
osteomalacia
- looser’s zones (pseudofractures)
- cupped metaphyses
symptoms:
bone pain
fractures
definition of UTI?
symptomatic w +ve culture or dipstick
what is urethral syndrome?
symptomatic of UTI but no bacteriuria
uncomplicated vs complicated UTI?
uncomplicated: normal GU tract and fn
complicated: abnormal GU tract, outflow obsturction, decreased renal fn, impaired host defence, virulent organism
presentation of pyelonephritis?
fever, rigors
loin pain and tenderness
vomiting
oliguria if AKI
UTI symptoms
presentation of cystitis?
freq and urgency
haematuria
dysuria
polyuria
suprapubic tenderness
foul smelling urine
presentation of prostatitis?
flu-like symptoms
low backache
dysuria
tender swollen prostate on PR
what may cause a sterile pyuria?
pus in urine, but no bacteria cultured
TB
treated UTI
appendicitis
calculi
Tubulointerstitial nephritis
PCKD
chemical cystitis e.g. cyclophosphamide
risk factors of UTI?
female
sex
pregnancy
menopause
DM
abnormal tract: stone, obstruction, catheter, malformation
most common organism responsible for UTI?
e coli
in women - 2nd most common staphylococcus saprophyticus
ix of UTI?
urine dipstick - +ve leucocytes and nitrites
send MSU for MCS
Bloods: FBC, WCC, Blood cultures (if systemic signs), U+E
US: recurrence, children, pyelonephritis
mx of UTI?
analgesia
drink plenty, urinate often
ABx: usually trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin 50mg QDS for 3 days
mx of pyelonephritis?
cefotaxime 1g IV BD for 10 d
prevention of UTIs?
drink more, urinate often
abx prophylaxis
what is glomerulonephritis?
group of disorders resulting from glomerular damage
can -> proteinuria + haematuria
can -> AKI or End stage renal failure
causes of glomerulonephritis?
idiopathic
immune: Goodpastures, SLE, Vasculitis
infection: Strep, HBV, HCV, HIV
Amyloid
Drugs: penicillamine, gold
ix of glomerulonephritis?
Bloods: FBC, U+E, ESR
Complements (C3 and C4) -> may be low in SLE
Abs: ANA, ANCA, dsDNA, GBM
serum protein electrophoresis and IgA
infection: ASOT titre
urine: dip, spot PCR, MCS, Bence-Jones protein
Imaging: CXR: infiltrates (goodpastures, wegeners)
renal US +/- biopsy
general mx of glomerulonephritis?
refer to nephrologist
tx HTN aggressively (less than 130/80)
ACEi/ ARB
causes of asymptomatic haematuria?
IgA nephropathy
Thin Basement membrane
Alport’s
what is IgA nephropathy?
aka Berger’s disease
commonest GN in developed world
young male w episodic macroscopic haematuria 24-48h after URTI
Raised IgA
can -> nephritic syndrome
ix of IgA nephropathy?
biopsy: IgA deposition in mesangium
mx of IgA nephropathy?
steroids or cyclophosphamide if renal fn impaired
HTN mx: ACEi/ ARBs (IgA nephropathy often causes high BP)
no cure: some ppl experience complete remission, some progress -> RF
what is thin basement membrane disease?
autosomal dominant
commonest cause of asymptomatic haematuria
persistent, asymptomatic microscopic haematuria
V small risk of end stage renal failure
what is Alport’s syndrome?
85% X-linked
affects type IV collagen -> basement membranes in kidney, inner ear and eye are affected
Haematuria, proteinuria -> progressive renal failure
Sensorineural deafness (bilat)
lens dislocation and cataracts
retinal ‘flecks’
females: haematuria only
what is nephritic syndrome?
haematuria + red cell casts
proteinuria -> oedema (esp periorbital)
HTN
oliguria and progressive renal impairment
causes of nephritic syndrome?
- Post-streptococcal
- Crescentic/ Rapidly progressive GN
features of post strep GN?
young child develops malaise and nephritic syndrome w smoky urine 1-2 wks after sore throat or skin infection
raised ASOT titre
low C3
ix of Post strep GN?
ASOT titre: high
Biopsy of kidney: IgG and C3 deposition at BM
mx of post strep GN?
supportive
95% children recover fully
minority develop rapidly progressive GN
what is rapidly progressive GN?
most aggressive GN which can -> end stage renal failure in days
3 types
- Anti-GBM (goodpastures)
- Immune complex deposition e.g. SLE, post strep, Bergers (45%)
- Pauci immune (50%)
- e.g. Wegeners, Churg-strauss, microscopic polyangiitis
what is Goodpastures syndrome?
Anti-GBM Ab to Type IV collagen
-> haematuria and haemoptysis
CXR shows infiltrates
-> TYPE 1 Rapidly progressive GN
mx of goodpastures disease?
plasmapheresis and immunosuppression
What could cause Type 2 rapidly progressive GN?
complication of any immune complex deposition
e.g. Berger’s, post strep, infective endocarditis, SLE
what is Pauci immune Type 3 Rapidly progressive GN?
may be due to cANCA +ve: Wegener’s
or pANCA +ve: microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss
what is nephrotic syndrome defined by?
proteinuria: PCR > 300mg/dL
hypoalbuminaemia: <35g/L
Oedema: periorbital, genital, ascites, peripheral
(JVP not raised - intravascularly depleted)
complications of nephrotic syndrome?
Infection: low Ig, low complement activity
VTE: up to 40%
Hyperlipidaemia: high cholesterol and triglycerides
ix of nephrotic syndrome?
Bloods: FBC, U+E, ESR
Complements (C3/4), lipid levels
Urine dip, MCS, Spot PCR
Imaging: Renal US +/- biopsy
- all adults should get biopsied
- steroids 1st in children: mostly minimal change
most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children?
minimal change disease
causes of nephrotic syndrome?
primary:
minimal change disease
membranous nephropathy
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
Membranoproliferative/ mesangiocapillary GN
secondary:
DM: glomerulosclerosis
Amyloidosis
SLE: membranous
what is minimal change GN?
commonest cause of nephrotic syndrome in children
assoc w URTI
oedema - periorbital, genital
could present w AKI and High BP

biopsy of kidney showing normal BM on light microscopy, fusion of podocytes
Minimal change disease
mx of minimal change glomerulonephritis?
1st line: corticosteroids
2nd: cyclosporine
symptomatic mx: salt and fluid restriction to control swelling
in adults with high BP: ACEi
reduce risk of thrombosis, infection, hyperlipidaemia
1% -> ESRF
what is membranous nephropathy?
20-30% of adult nephrotic syndrome (common)
assoc w
Ca: lung, colon, breast
autoimmune: SLE, thyroid disease
infections: HBV
drugs: penicillamine, gold
biopsy shows: subepithelial immune complex deposits
mx of membranous nephropathy?
immunosuppression if renal function declines
prognosis: 40% spontaneous remission
what is focal segmental glomerulosclerosis?
commoner in Afro carribeans
Biopsy shows: focal scarring of the glomerulus, IgM + C3 deposition in the sclerotic segment
idiopathic or secondary: chronic pyelonephritis, vesicourethral reflux, berger’s, Sickle cell, HIV
mx of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis?
steroids or cyclosporin/ cyclophosphamide
30-50% -> ESRF (may recur in transplants)
What is membranoproliferative GN?
deposits in kidney glomerular mesangium and BM thickening, activating complement and damaging the glomeruli
may -> nephrotic or nephritic syndrome
assoc w HBV, HCV, endocarditis
50% -> ESRF
mx of nephrotic syndrome?
monitor U+E, BP, fluid balance, weight
treat underlying cause
symptomatic tx:
- oedema: fluid and salt restrict + furosemide
proteinuria - ACEi/ ARB decrease proteinuria
high lipids: statin
VTE: tinzaparin
tx HTN
definition of AKI?
significant decline in renal function over hrs or days manifesting as an abrupt and sustained increase in serum urea and creatinine
most common cause of AKI?
pre renal
due to shock, hypovolaemia or renovascular compromise (e.g. NSAIDS, ACEi)
what drugs may cause AKI?
contrast dye
gentamicin
Hb from rhabdomyolysis
causes of chronic renal failure?
diabetes
HTN
clinical assessment of AKI?
acute or chronic?
- Assess fluid status
- JVP, postural hypotension, tachycardia, poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, decreased UO - GU tract obstruction?
- suprapubic discomfort (urinary retention?)
palpable bladder
enlarged prostate
catheter blocked?
complete anuria?
- Rare cause?
- proteinuria + haematuria
vasculitis: rash, arthralgia, nosebleed
ix of AKI?
Bloods: FBC, U+E, LFT, Glucose, Clotting, ESR, Ca
ABG: hypoxia (oedema), acidosis, K+
GN screen: if cause unclear
Urine: Dip, MCS, PCR, osmolality
ECG: hyperK
CXR: pulmonary oedema
Renal US (hydronephrosis)
classification of AKI?
RIFLE classification
3 grades and 2 outcomes
Risk: UO < 0.5ml/kg/h for 6h
Injury: UO < 0.5 ml/kg/h for 12h
Failure: UO < 0.3ml/kg/h for 24h or anuria for 12h
Loss: persistent acute renal failure = loss of renal fn > 4 wks
End stage renal disease: complete loss of renal fn > 3 mo
Mx of AKI?
identify cause and treat e.g post/ prerenal cause
urgent renal US
tx exacerbating factors e.g. sepsis
give PPIs
stop nephrotoxins: NSAIDs, ACEi, gent, vanc
stop metformin if Cr>150mM
tx complications e.g. hyperK, pulmonary oedema
Monitor: catheterise and monitor UO, consider CVP
fluid balance and daily weights
what is impt to monitor in pt w AKI?
catheterise - Urine Output
Consider CVP
Fluid balance and daily weights
mx of HyperK?
10ml 10% Calcium Gluconate - to stabilise myocardium w cardiac monitoring
100ml 20% glucose with 10 u Insulin (Actrapid)
salbumatol 5mg nebulizer
calcium resonium 15g PO
may need haemofiltration
Mx of Pulmonary Oedema?
sit up and give O2
Morphine 2.5mg IV (+ metoclopramide 10mg IV)
Frusemide 40-80mg IV
GTN spray +/- isosorbide mononitrate iv infusion (unless SBP <100)
if no response consider:
CPAP
Haemodialysis
Indications for Acute Dialysis?
AEIOU
Acidosis: severe metabolic acidosis (pH <7.2)
Electrolytes: Persistent HyperK (>7)
Intoxicants: Poisons e.g. aspirin
Oedema: Refractory pulm oedema
Uraemia: Symptomatic e.g. encephalopathy, pericarditis
Tx of Bleeding due to AKI?
increased urea impairs haemostasis
Give FFP + platelets as needed
transfuse to maintain Hb <10
commonest causes of post renal AKI?
stone
catheter
malignancy
commonest cause of AKI renal?
ATN
TIN
GN
Mx of Acute Renal failure
A to E approach?
Resus assess fluid status
A: decreased GCS may need airway mx
B: pulmonary oedema- sit up, high flow O2
C: assess fluid status (JVP, postural BP, HR, mucous membranes, skin turgot, CRT)
Urine output
Tx lifethreatening complications
e.g. HyperK, pulmonary oedema
Tx shock or dehydration:
fluid bolus 500 ml over 15 min
monitoring: cardiac, urine, CVP, fluid balance
Post renal causes: catheter in situ, prostate, bladder
Hx and Ix
tx sepsis: blood cultures and empirical abx
call urologists if obstructed despite catheter
care w nephrotoxic drugs e.g. gentamicin
evidence of acute vs chronic renal failure?
previous blood results
duration of symptoms
co morbidities
What is tubulointerstitial nephritis?
immune mediated hypersensitivity w either drugs or other antigens
e. g. NSAIDs, Abx, diuretics
infections: staph, strep
Causes of tubulointerstitial nephritis?
Drug hypersensitivity in 70%:
NSAIDS
abx: cephs, penicillins, rifampicin, sulphonamide
Diuretics: furosemide, thiazide
allopurinol
cimetidine
infections: staph, strep
Immune: SLE, Sjogrens
presentation of tubulointerstitial nephritis?
fever, arthralgia, rashes
AKI -> olig/ anuria
uveitis
ix of tubulointersitial nephritis?
raised IgE: eosinophilia
urine dip: haematuria, proteinuria, sterile pyuria
mx of tubulointerstitial nephritis?
stop offending drug
prednisolone
what is chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis?
fibrosis and tubular loss
commonly caused by: reflux and chronic pylenonephritis
DM
SCD
what is nephrocalcinosis?
diffuse renal parenchymal calcification
progressive renal impairment
causes:
Malignancy
high PTH
Myeloma
Sarcoid
Vit D intoxication
what is acute urate crystal nephropathy?
AKI due to urate precipitation
usually after chemo-induced cell lysis
Mx: hydration, urinary alkalinsation
What is analgesic nephropathy?
prolonged heavy ingestion of compound analgesics
often a hx of chronic pain
sterile pyuria +/- mild proteinuria
slowly progressive chronic renal failure
sloughed papilla can -> obstruction and renal colic
Ix: CT w/o contrast (papillary calcifications)
tx: stop analgesics
E.g.s of endogenous nephrotoxins
either directly toxic -> ATN
of cause hypersensitivity -> TIN
Haemoglobin, myoglobin
Urate
Ig e.g. light chains in myeloma
E.g.s of exogenous nephrotoxins?
either directly toxic -> ATN
or cause hypersensitivity -> TIN
NSAIDs
Abx: AVASTA
Aminoglycosides e.g. Gentamicin, Kanamycin
Vancomycin
Aciclovir
Sulphonamides
Tetracycline
Amphotericin
ACEi
Immunosuppressants: Ciclosporin, Tacrolimus
Contrast media
Anaesthetics: enflurane
what antimicrobials are nephrotoxin?
AVASTA
Aminoglycosides e.g gent, kanamycin
Vancomycin
Aciclovir
Sulphonamides
Tetracycline
Amphotericin
pathogenesis of rhabdomyolysis?
skeletal muscle breakdown -> release of
- K+, PO4, urate
- myoglobin, creatinine kinase
- > AKI
causes of rhabdomyolysis?
ischaemia: embolism, surgery
trauma: immobilisation, crush, burns, seizures, compartment syndrome
Toxins: Statins, fibrates, ecstacy, neuroleptics
features of rhabdomyolysis?
muscle pain, swelling
red/ brown urine
AKI occurs 10-12 h later
ix of rhabdomyolysis?
urine dip: +ve Hb, -ve RBCs
bloods: raised CK, K, PO4, urate
mx of rhabdomyolysis?
tx hyperK
IV fluids
CVP monitoring if oliguric
IV NaHCO3 may be used to alkalinize urine and stabilise a less toxic form of myoglobin
Classification of chronic renal failure?
Stage 1: GFR >90
2: 60-89
3a: 45-59
3b: 30-44
4: 16-29
5: <15
what stage of CKD do you start getting symptomatic?
stage 4
stage 5 = End stage renal failure, need for Renal replacement therapy
Causes of chronic renal failure?
Common:
Diabetes mellitus
HTN
other:
Glomerulonephritis
PCKD
Drugs: e.g. analgesic nephropathy
Pyelonephritis: usually 2º to VUR
SLE
Myeloma + Amyloidosis
Hx in chronic renal failure?
Past UTI
HTN, DM
FH
DH
Symptoms
Bloods in chronic renal failure?
low Hb (low EPO)
U+E, ESR, glucose
low Ca/ high phosphate
high Alk Phos
high PTH
Immune screen
Film: burr cells
Urine Ix in chronic renal failure?
Urine dip, MCS, PCR, bence jones proteins
imaging of chronic renal failure?
CXR: pulmonary oedema, cardiomegaly
AXR: calcification from stones
Renal US: usually small, may be large - polycystic, amyloid
Bone Xrays: renal osteodystrophy
CT KUB: e.g. cortical scarring from pyelonephritis
renal biopsy: if cause unclear and size normal
complications of Chronic renal failure?
CRF HEALS
Cardiovascular disease
Renal osteodystrophy
Fluid (oedema)
HTN
Electrolyte disturbances: K, H, phosphate
Anaemia
Leg restlessness
Sensory neuropathy
features of renal osteodystrophy?
2/3º hyperPTH -> osteitis fibrosa cystica
subperiosteal bone resorption
acral osteolysis: short stubby fingers
pepperpot skull
mechanism of renal osteodystrophy?
decreased 1a-hydroxylase -> decreased Vit D activation -> low Ca
-> high PTH
Phosphate retention also -> high PTH
- > activation of osteoclasts
- > increased bone resorption
general mx of chronic kidney failure?
tx reversible causes
stop nephrotoxic drugs
lifestyle: exercise, healthy weight, stop smoking
Na, fluid and phosphate restriction
CV risk: statins (irrespective of lipids), low dose aspirin, tx DM
HTN: target <140/90 (<130/80 if DM) -> ACEi/ARB
Oedema: furosemide
Bone disease: Alfacalcidol, phosphate binders, ca supplements
Anaemia: EPO
Restless Legs: Clonazepam
mx of anaemia due to CKD?
exclude IDA and ACD
EPO to raise Hb to 11
mx of bone disease due to CKD?
Phosphate binders: Calcichew
Vit D analogues: Alfacalcidol (1-OH Vit D3)
Ca supplements
**rare: cincalcet: ca mimetic
mx of HTN in CKD?
in DM: always give ACEi/ARB
if not, give if >140/90
Mx of CV risk due to CKD?
statins -irrespective of lipids
low dose aspirin
contraindications for renal transplant?
active infection
untreated malignancy
severe heart failure
assessment prior to Renal transplant?
ABO and HLA matching
CVD?
Virology status: CMV, HCV, HBV, HIV, VZV, EBV
TB
types of grafts for renal transplant?
cadaveric: brainstem death w CV support
Live donor: HLA matched, optimal surgical timing, improved graft survival
Immunosuppression pre-renal transplant?
Induction drugs e.g. alemtuzumab Anti-CD52
immunosuppression post op renal transplant?
prednisolone short term
tacrolimus/ ciclosporin long term
complications of renal transplant?
post op: bleeding, graft thrombosis, infection, urinary leaks
rejection
ciclosporin/ tacrolimus nephrotoxicity
immunosuppression: increased risk of infection & malignancy
Cardiovasc disease: HTN, atherosclerosis
what type of infections are immunosuppressed ppl at risk of?
opportunistic
fungi
differential of rising creatinine in transplant pt?
rejection
obstruction
ATN
drug toxicity
pathology of diabetic nephrology?
conglomerate of lesions occuring concurrently
hyperglycaemia -> renal hyperperfusion -> hypertrophy and increased renal size
hypertrophy and metabolic defects include reactive oxygen species production
-> glomerulosclerosis and nephron loss
nephron loss -> RAS activation -> HTN
features of diabetic nephropathy?
microalbuminuria (30-300mg/d)
*strong independent RF for CV disease
progresses to proteinuria (>300mg/d)
diabetic retinopathy usually coexists and HTN is common
screening in DM for nephropathy?
T2DMs should be screened for microalbuminuria every 6 months
Mx of diabetic nephropathy?
Good glycaemic control delays onset and progression
BP target 130/80
start ACEi/ARB even if normotensive
stop smoking
features of amyloidosis?
renal involvement caused by AL / AA Amyloid
proteinuria
nephrotic syndrome
progressive renal failure
diagnosis of amyloidosis causing renal impairment?
large kidneys on US
biopsy
How could malignancy affect kidneys?
direct:
renal infiltration: leukaemia, lymphoma
obstruction: pelvic tumour
mets
nephrotoxicity:
toxic chemo, analgesics, tumour lysis syndrome
how may sarcoidosis affect kidneys?
raised Ca and tubulointerstitial nephritis
pathology of multiple myeloma?
excess production of monoclonal abs +/- light chains
(detected in most as urinary BJP)
light chains block tubules and have direct toxic effects -> ATN
-> AL Amyloidosis
myeloma also assoc w raised Ca
mx of multiple myeloma causing renal failure?
ensure fluid intake of 3L/ d to prevent further impairment
dialysis may be required in acute renal failure
how may Rheumatoid arthritis lead to kidney problems??
NSAIDs -> ATN
Penicillamine and gold -> membranous GN
AA Amyloidosis occurs in 15%
how may SLE affect kidneys?
involves glomerulus in 40-60% -> ARF/CRF
proteinuria and raised BP common
may -> Type 2 rapidly progressive GN
tx of SLE kidney disease?
proteinuria: ACEi
aggressive GN: immunosuppression
diffuse systemic sclerosis and kidneys?
renal crisis: malignant HTN + ARF
- > commonest cause of death
tx: ACEi if high BP/ renal crisis
HTN and kidney disease?
HTN can be both cause and effect of renal damage
renal diseases are commonest cause of secondary HTN
- > activation of RAS
- > retention of Na and water due to decreased excretion
cause of renovascular disease? activation of RAS System
atherosclerosis in 80%
fibromuscular dysplasia
thromboembolism
external mass compression
features of renovascular disease?
refractory HTN
worsening renal function after ACEi/ARB
flash pulmonary oedema (no LV impairment on echo)
gold standard ix of renovascular disease?
renal angiography
ix of renovascular disease?
US + doppler: small kidney + low flow
renal angio: gold std
mx of renovascular disease?
tx medical CV risk factors
angioplasty and stenting
what is haemolytic uraemic syndrome?
E coli O157:H7 verotoxin -> endothelial dysfunction
young children eating undercooked meat
bloody diarrhoea and abdo pain precedes:
- MAHA
- thrombocytopenia
- renal failure
ix findings of HUS?
schistocytes, low platelets
low Hb
normal clotting
what is Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura?
genetic or acquired deficiency of ADAMTS13 -> giant vWF multimers
(ie. antibodies inhibiting ADAMTS13)
blood clots form in small blood vessels throughout body -> kidney, heart and brain dysfunction
+ low Pl, low Hb
adult females
pentad: fever
CNS signs: confusion
MAHA
thrombocytopenia
renal failure
what is the Pentad found in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura?
fever
cns signs: confusion, seizures
MAHA
thrombocytopenia
renal failure
mx of haemolytic uraemic syndrome?
usually resolves spontaneously
may need dialysis or plasma exchange
mx of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura?
plasmapheresis
immunosuppression e.g. corticosteroids, rituximab
splenectomy
pl transfusions generally not recommended
what is Polycystic Kidney Disease?
most commonly autosomal dominant
defect in PKD1 gene on Chr 16 (80%)
or PKD2 gene on chr4
cystic changes are bilat
clinical presentation of PCKD?
bilateral upper quadrant masses (cystic enlargement of the kidneys)
dull loin pain
frank haematuria (from rupture of a cyst into the renal pelvis)
infected cyst
hypertension and eventually chronic renal failure (in 10% of cases)
Anuerysms: Berry -> SAH
UTIs/ Stones
20 % cystic livers + possibly, pancreas and spleen
pathology of autosomal dom PCKD?
PKD1 gene on chr 16 affected
-> polycystin 1 affected
large cysts arise from all parts of nephron
-> progressive decline in renal fn
70% ESRF by 70 yrs
causes of minimal change disease?
majority: idiopathic
10-20% cause is found:
- drugs: NSAIDs, rifampicin
- Hodgkin’s lymphoma, thymoma
- infectious mono
Pathophysiology of minimal change disease?
T cell and cytokine mediated damage to the glomerular BM -> polyanion loss
reduction of electrostatic charge of BM -> increased glomerulat permeability to serum albumin
what does electron microscopy show for kidney biopsy of minimal change disease?
fusion of podocytes
what drugs should be stopped in AKI due to increased risk of toxicity (but does not usually worsen AKI itself)
Metformin (increased risk of lactic acidosis)
Lithium
Digoxin
what does calcium resonium do in the acute stage of hyperK?
removes K from the body
why does VTE occur in nephrotic syndrome?
loss of antithrombin III, proteins C and S
and an associated rise in fibrinogen levels predispose to thrombosis
mx of acute graft failure?
may be reversed by steroids and immunosuppression
what drugs should be stopped in AKI as may worsen renal function?
NSAIDs (afferent constriction)
Aminoglycosides
ACEi (efferent dilatation)
Angiotensin II receptor blockers
Diuretics (intravasc depletion)
Risk factors for AKI?
Chronic Kidney disease
other organ failure e.g. heart/liver
chronic disease- diabetes
hx of AKI
use of drugs w nephrotoxic potential
use of iodinated ocntrast agents within past wk
age 65 or over
Features of PCKD in kidneys?
large bilateral masses
flank pain
infected cyst
Haemorrhage into cyst -> haematuria
stones
High BP
features of PCKD extra renally?
Berry aneurysms: SAH
cysts in liver (70%)/ pancreas
cardiovascular system: mitral valve prolapse, mitral/tricuspid incompetence, aortic root dilation, aortic dissection
mx of PCKD?
general:
Increase water intake, decrease Na/ caffeine
Monitor BP and U+E
Genetic counselling
MRA screen for Berry Aneurysms
Medical: Tx HTN aggressively (<130/80)
ACEi best.
Tx infections
Surgical: pain may be helped by laparoscopic cyst removal/ nephrectomy
ESRF in 70% by 70 yrs
-> dialysis or transplant
what is autosomal recessive PCKD?
presents in infancy
development of kidneys and liver is abnormal
- > underdeveloped lungs
- > High BP, CKD
- > problems w liver
Differentials for renal enlargement?
PHONOS
polycystic kidneys: PCKD (AD/AR), tuberous sclerosis
Hypertrophy 2º to contralat renal agenesis
Obstruction (hydronephrosis)
Neoplasia: RCC, myeloma
Occlusion: renal vein thrombosis
Systemic: early DM, Amyloid
what is Tuberous Sclerosis?
Autosomal dominant condition w hamartomas in skin, brain, eye, kidney
Skin: Nasolabial adenoma sebaceum, ash leaf macules, peri ungual fibromas
Neuro: low IQ, epilepsy
Renal: Cysts, angiomyolipomas
How is Tuberous sclerosis inherited?
Auto dom
what is a medullary sponge kidney?
multiple cystic dilatations in the collecting ducts in the medulla
typically presents in 20-30s
often asymptomatic, but predisposes to
- Hypercalciuria + stones
- recurrent UTIs and pyelonephritis
- haematuria
renal fn is usually normal

what is renal tubular acidosis?
impaired acid excretion -> hyperCl met acidosis
both -> RAS activation -> K+ wasting and hypokalaemia
features of Fanconi Syndrome?
Disturbance of PCT function -> generalised impaired reabsorption of aas, K+, HCO3, Phosphate, glucose
features of:
- polyuria (osmotic diuresis)
- hypophosphataemic rickets (Vit D resistant)
- Acidosis, low K
types of renal tubular acidosis?
-> hyperCl met acidosis
Type 1: Distal collecting tubule
Type 2: Proximal collecting tubule
Features of Type 1 renal tubular acidosis?
inability to excrete H+ even when acidotic
causes: hereditary - Marfans, Ehlers Danlos
AI: sjogrens, SLE, thyroiditis
Drugs
features of rickets/ osteomalacia (bone buffering)
renal stones and UTIs
nephrocalcinosis -> ESRF
diagnosis of renal tubular acidosis (type 1 vs 2)?
I: failure to acidify urine (pH> 5.5) despite acid load
2: urine will acidify w acid load (pH <5.5)
features of type 2 renal tubular acidosis?
defect in proximal collecting tubule
- defect in HCO3 reabsorption
tubules can reabsorb some HCO3 so can acidify urine in systemic acidosis when HCO3 is low
what are the hereditary hypoK tubulopathies?
Bartter’s Syndrome: HYPOK and met alkalosis
Gitelman Syndrome: HypoK and met alkalosis + hypocalciuria
both normal BP
3 main causes of nephrotic syndrome?
minimal change: more common in kids
membranous
focal segmental: more common in adults
causes of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis?
causes nephrotic syndrome
Causes:
idiopathic
secondary to other renal pathology e.g. IgA nephropathy, reflux nephropathy
HIV
heroin
Alport’s syndrome
sickle-cell
when to urgently refer someone to urology?
Aged >= 45 years AND:
unexplained visible haematuria without urinary tract infection, or
visible haematuria that persists or recurs after successful treatment of urinary tract infection
Aged >= 60 years AND have unexplained nonvisible haematuria and either dysuria or a raised white cell count on a blood test
what are the six classes of SLE glomerulonephritis?
WHO classification
class I: normal kidney
class II: mesangial glomerulonephritis
class III: focal (and segmental) proliferative glomerulonephritis
class IV: diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis
class V: diffuse membranous glomerulonephritis
class VI: sclerosing glomerulonephritis
Class IV most common and severe
prevention of nephrotoxicity due to contrast media?
IV 0.9% NaCl pre and post procedure
mx of high PTH in CKD?
Alfacalcidol
when starting pts with CKD on ACEi, what fall in glomerular filtration pressure (GFR) and rise in creatinine is acceptable?
decrease in eGFR of up to 25% or a rise in creatinine of up to 30% is acceptable
although any rise should prompt careful monitoring and exclusion of other causes (e.g. NSAIDs). A rise greater than this may indicate underlying renovascular disease.
most common organism causing peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis?
Staphylococcus epidermidis
(staph aureus is another common cause)
features of rhabdomyolysis?
acute renal failure with disproportionately raised creatinine
elevated CK
myoglobinuria
hypocalcaemia (myoglobin binds calcium)
elevated phosphate (released from myocytes)
mx of rhabdomyolysis?
IV fluids to maintain good urine output
urinary alkalinization is sometimes used
features of Wilms Nephroblastoma?
typically presents in children under 5 years of age, with a median age of 3 years old.
abdominal mass (most common presenting feature)
flank pain
painless haematuria
other features: anorexia, fever
unilateral in 95% of cases
metastases are found in 20% of patients (most commonly lung)
what is a common immunosuppressant induction regime before transplant?
Campath Alemtuzumab anti-CD52
regimen for immunosuppression post-transplant?
initial: ciclosporin/tacrolimus with a monoclonal antibody
maintenance: ciclosporin/tacrolimus with MMF or sirolimus
add steroids if more than one steroid responsive acute rejection episode
pts undergoing longterm immunosuppression should undergo regular monitoring for?
Cardiovascular disease - tacrolimus and ciclosporin can cause hypertension and hyperglycaemia. Tacrolimus can also cause hyperlipidaemia. Patients must be monitored for accelerated cardiovascular disease.
Renal failure - due to nephrotoxic effects of tacrolimus and ciclosporin/graft rejection/recurrence of original disease in transplanted kidney
Malignancy - patients should be educated about minimising sun exposure to reduce the risk of squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas
what does haemodialysis involve?
most common form of renal replacement therapy
regular filtration of the blood through a dialysis machine in hospital
most often 3 x 3-5h / wk,
pt needs surgery to create AV fistula for site of haemodialysis
what is involved in peritoneal dialysis?
RRT where filtration occurs in patient’s abdomen
Dialysis solution is injected into the abdominal cavity through a permanent catheter
The high dextrose concentration of the solution draws waste products from the blood into the abdominal cavity across the peritoneum.
After several hours of dwell time, the dialysis solution is then drained, removing the waste products from the body, and exchanged for new dialysis solution.
what are the different types of peritoneal dialysis?
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialyssi (CAPD): each exchange ~30-40 mins and each dwell time 4-8h. normal activities w dialysis soln inside abdomen
- Automated peritoneal dialysis: a dialysis machine fills and drains the abdo while pt is sleeping, 3-5 exchanges over 8-10h per night
What is involved in Renal transplantation?
receipt of a kidney from either a live or deceased donor
donor kidney transplanted into the groin, with the renal vessels connected to the external iliac vessels
Following transplantation, the patient must take life-long immunosuppressants to prevent rejection of the new kidney
average lifespan of a donor kidney is 10-12 years from deceased donors and 12-15 years from living donors.
Complications of haemodialysis?
Site infection
endocarditis
stenosis at site
hypotension
cardiac arrhythmia
air embolus
anaphylactic reaction to sterilising agents
Disequilibration syndrome
Complications of peritoneal dialysis?
peritonitis
sclerosing peritonitis
catheter infection
catheter blockage
constipation
fluid retention
hyperglycaemia
hernias
back pain
malnutrition
Complications of renal transplantation?
DVT/PE
immunosuppression: opportunistic infection, malignancies (skin ca, lymphoma), bone marrow suppression
recurrence of original disease
Urinary tract obstruction
CV disease
graft rejection
1st line Renal replacement therapy for independent pts?
Peritoneal dialysis
contraindications to peritoneal dialysis?
IBD
diverticulitis
ischaemic bowel
abdo abscess
Causes of cranial DI?
idiopathic
post head injury
pituitary surgery
craniopharyngiomas
DIDMOAD is the association of cranial Diabetes Insipidus, Diabetes Mellitus, Optic Atrophy and Deafness (also known as Wolfram’s syndrome)