Renal Flashcards
If taking a history from someone with known CKD, what symptoms should you enquire about? (6)
- Breathlessness
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Swollen ankles
- Change in urinary frequency
- Pruritis
What are the causes of AKI?
Pre-renal - sepsis, dehydration
Renal - progression of pre-renal with acute tubular necrosis, glomerulonephritis, nephrotoxic drugs
Post-renal - obstruction
According to NICE, how is AKI defined?
Rise in creatinine from baseline of >50% in 7 days OR Rise by 26mmol OR Oliguria <0.5ml/kg/hour
What are the common nephrotoxic drugs? (4)
- NSAIDs
- ACE inhibitors
- Diuretics
- Aminoglycosides
Which drugs do you want to stop if someone has an AKI? (DAMN)
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors/ARBs
- Metformin
- NSAIDs
What are the indications for dialysis in AKI? (AEIOU)
Acidosis pH <7.1 Electrolytes - hyperkalaemia Intoxications - lithium Overloaded with fluid Uraemic symptoms e.g. encephalopathy
What is CKD?
A chronic irreversible deterioration in renal function
What are the causes of CKD - using the mnemonic HIDDEN?
H - hypertension
I - infection
D - diabetes
D - drugs
E - exotica e.g. SLE and other vasculitis
N - nephritis, especially glomerulonephritis
What are the indications for dialysis in CKD?
- Progressive decline in renal function e.g. end stage with eGFR <15ml/min
- Symptomatic ureamia despite conservative treatment
- Volume overload despite fluid restriction and diuretics
- Other indications e.g. pericarditis, bone disease, hyperkalaemia despite treatment
What is the best method of access for renal replacement therapy?
An AV fistula
What is a fistula?
An abnormal connection between two epithelial surfaces
How long does it take for an AV fistula to form and be used for dialysis?
6 weeks
Which arteries/veins are commonly used for AV fistula?
Radial artery to cephalic vein
OR
Ulnar artery to basilic vein
(or a brachiocephalic fistula at elbow)
What is steal syndrome?
This is when an AV fistula leads to distal tissue ischaemia
What are the complications of a fistula? (4)
- Infection
- Stenosis
- Thrombosis
- Bleeding
How is the artery connected to the vein in an AV fistula?
Usually a side-to-end anastamosis with ligation of the distal vein
What are the alternatives to an AV fistula?
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis