Nephrology Cards Flashcards
(104 cards)
Nephrotic Syndrome
Proteinuria >3.5g/24hrs
Hypoalbuminaemia
Generalised oedema
Hyperlipidaemia
Nephritic Syndrome
Haematuria with RBC casts and dysmorphic RBCs
Often some degree of oliguria with hypertension and progressive reduction in GFR
Commonest glomerular disease worldwide
IgA nephropathy
Goodpasteur disease
Characterised by antibody against alpha-3 chain of collagen type IV (anti-GBM antibody)
Alport syndrome
Results from mutations in genes encoding the alpha 3, 4 and 5 chains of type IV collagen
Proximal Convoluted Tubule
65-70% sodium reabsorption by apical Na-H exchanger protein.
Linked to regeneration of HCO3- (carbonic anyhydrase involved) -> Acetozolamide will interfere with this.
Sodium reabsorption coupled to reabsorption of glucose via SGLUT -> SGLT2 inhibitors work here (prevent reabsorption of both glucose and sodium).
Fanconi Syndrome
Defect in the proximal tubule - leading to inefficient regeneration of HCO3- and hence proximal renal tubular acidosis. Reabsorption of glucose, amino acids, phosphate and uric acid are affected.
Thick Ascending Limb of LOH
Na-K-2Cl transporter absorbs 1 Na and K each along with 2 Cl ions.
Frusemide inhibits the Na-K-2Cl transporter (NKCC2)
Bartter syndrome
Due to a defect in Na reabsorption in thick ascending limb of LOH (so same as being on Frusemide) - 5 types depending on the mutation in protein involved.
Effect of Frusemide on Calcium
Frusemide by inhibiting NaK2Cl co-transporter in TAL inhibits all downstream events including paracellular reabsorption of Ca and Mg.
Effect of Thiazides on Calcium
Blocking the DTC with thiazides causes upregulation of other portions of the renal tubules - upregulation of NaK2Cl in TAL causes increased Ca reabsorption.
Countercurrent mechanism LOH
The descending limb is highly permeable to water but the thick ascending limb is impermeable to water.
CaSR
Found in basolateral membrane of cells of thick ascending limb of LOH (as well as parathyroid gland).
Net result of renal CaSR stimulation by plasma calcium = decrease in paracellular calcium and magnesium absorption and increased urinary calcium loss.
FHH = caused by inactivating mutations of CaSR.
Mild hypercalcaemia, hypocalciuria, inappropriately normal to high PTH and high-normal to elevated serum magnesium levels.
Benign condition that does not require parathyroidectomy.
Distal Convoluted Tubule
Sodium is reabsorbed by the apical NaCl co-transporter (NCCT).
Inhibition of NCCT by thiazide diuretics lead to volume contraction, leading to increased TAL reabsorption of sodum which in turn leads to increased paracellular reabsorption of calcium.
Gitelman Syndrome
Characterised by impaired NCCT (so same as being on thiazide diuretics).
Hypokalaemia, metabolic alkalosis and hypomagnesaemia with lowish BP.
Collecting Duct
Principal cells contain aquaporin 2 (AQP 2) which reabsorb water.
Vasopressin (ADH) via V2 receptor moves AQP2 to the luminal surface.
DI results when there is a vasopressin deficiency (central DI) or when the kidneys fail to respond to the hormone (nephrogenic DI).
Lithium causes a nephrogenic DI by causing decreased expression of AQP 2.
Aldosterone
Produced by zone glomerulosa of adrenal cortex.
Sodium reabsorption.
K and H excretion.
RTAs
Disorders of the tubule characterised by:
a) Normal anion gap (hyperchloraemic) metabolic acidosis.
b) Despite a relatively well-preserved GFR with either
c) Hypokalaemia (types 1 and 2) or hyperkalaemia (type 4).
Defect in distal H+ leads to distal (type 1) RTA.
Defect in HCO3- reabsorption leads to proximal (type 2) RTA.
Type 4 RTA (commonest) is characterised by decreased production of aldosterone or diminished responsiveness of the cortical duct to aldosterone.
Type 1 and 2 RTA
Type 1 RTA (Distal RTA)
- Inability to secrete H+
- Urine pH >5.5 (no H+ in the urine)
- Proximal tubules reabsorb all alkali (including citrate) which normally keeps Ca in urine soluble, so nephrolithiasis and nephrocalcinosis.
- No Fanconi syndrome.
- Sjogren’s syndrome, SLE, PBC, autoimmune hepatitis.
- Treat with alkali and K+ replacement.
Type 2 RTA (Proximal RTA)
- Inability to reabsorb HCO3-
- Urine pH <5.5 (distal tubules secrete the excess H+ as in any acidosis)
- No renal stones
- Fanconi syndrome: glycosuria, phosphaturia, uricaciduria and aminoaciduria.
- Myeloma, drugs - tenofovir, acetazolamide.
- Same treatment, needs bigger doses of alkali though.
Type 4 RTA
Decreased production or diminished responsiveness to aldosterone.
Associated with DM (commonest), NSAIDs, ACE-I, calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine or tacrolimus), K-sparing diuretics and high-dose heparin.
In those not hypertensive or volume overloaded, synthetic mineralocorticoid such as fludrocortisone may help.
In patients with hypertension or fluid overload, a thiazide or loop diuretic may help by increasing distal delivery of Na and consequently increase urinary secretion of H and K.
Initial trigger for hyperparathyroidism in CKD
Phosphate retention
ATN
Defined by histologic changes - necrosis of the tubular epithelium and occlusion of the tubular lumen by casts and cell debris.
3 major causes of ATN:
- Renal ischaemia: all causes of severe pre-renal AKI particularly hypotension, shock and surgery.
- Sepsis: usually associated with hypotension.
- Nephrotoxins: aminoglycosides, vancomycin, cisplatin, radiocontrast material, cidofovir.
AIN
Caused by inflammatory infiltrate in the renal interstitium (glomeruli normal).
Drugs: NSAIDs, penicillins, cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin, PPIs, diuretics. 70-75%.
Systemic disease: Sarcoidosis, sjogren’s syndrome, SLE and others 10-15%.
Indications for dialysis in AKI
- Refractory hyperkalaemia especially with ECG changes.
- Pulmonary oedema.
- Acidosis (pH <7.15)
- Uraemic encephalopathy
- Uraemic pericarditis