Renal Disease and Pregnancy (1) Flashcards
What do we need to remember about when interpreting renal ultrasound in a pregnant woman?
Renal calyces and ureters dilate in pregnancy
This is due to high levels of progesterone inducing smooth muscle relaxation throughout the body (so uterus does not contract)
What is symptomatic hydronephrosis in pregnancy?
Aching back pain due to backpressure to the kidney -> as ureters are dilated
* normally benign but painful
What happens to renal plasma flow and GFR in pregnancy?
GFR and renal plasma flow increase
* this is due to CVSan increase changes e.g. in stroke volume and HR
* happen in early stages of pregnancy
What happens to a urinary protein that is excreted (in pregnancy)?
Urinary protein and creatinine excretion will be increased
*this is due to increased renal blood flow and GFR
What is the upper limit of serum creatinine for a woman in the 2nd trimester of the pregnancy?
65 umol/l-it falls
* as renal clearance of creatinine is increased (so more creatinine is cleared off - less stays in serum)
What is the upper limit for proteinuria throughout the pregnancy?
300 mg/24 hours
* limit is increased due to increased GFR - more protein excreted in the urine
Common disorders of renal system in pregnancy
Why is UTI more common in pregnancy?
UTI is more common in pregnancy because of physiological dilatation of the upper renal tract -> less peristalsis of ureters -> more opportunity to the bugs to invade(ascend)
Factors that increase risk of UTI in pregnancy
- previous Hx of UTI
- diabetes
- steroids
- immunosuppression
- polycystic kidneys
- congenital abnormalities of renal tract
- neuropathic bladder (e.g. spina bifida, MS)
- urinary tract calculi
What do we do in terms of UTI screen during antenatal visits?
Screen MSU - to look for asymptomatic bacteriuria *
* additional MSU are indicated in pregnancy for those at increased risk of UTI or with symptoms
Clinical features of lower UTI
Lower UTI
- urinary frequency
- dysuria
- haematuria
- proteinuria
- suprapubic pain
Symptoms suggestive of pyelonephritis
- fever
- loin/ abdominal pain
- vomiting
- rigors
What is seen on urine dipstick
- nitrites
- leukocyte esterase
- proteinuria
The dipstick should be followed by MSU (to confirm diagnosis)
What Dx do we consider if proteinuria found on the dipstick in late pregnancy?
Always considered pre-eclampsia unless ruled out
What do we consider as significant bacteriuria?
> 106 organisms/ml
What if we do MSU culture and there would be non-significant/mixed growth?
Repeat with a fresh specimen