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Nephrology
10.4.25
Dr Sophia Hwai and Dr Aeron RaphaelLearningOutcomes
To revise the main presentations within Nephrology including:
● Acute kidney injury (AKI): Diagnosis, classification, and management
● Chronic kidney disease (CKD): Staging, management, and complications
● Nephrotic syndrome: Presentation, causes, and management
● Urinary tract infections: Diagnosis, treatment, and prevention
● Electrolyte disturbances: Hyperkalaemia, hyponatremia, etc.
● Dialysis: Indications, types, complicationsLearningOutcomesQuestion 1
A 58-year-old male is on the surgical ward after undergoing a total nephrectomy two days
previously. He appears well and examination findings are normal, although his urine output
has dropped. His fluid chart shows he has passed 850ml of urine in the past 24 hours. He
weighs 80kg.
Blood tests show a creatinine rise to 108 µmol/L from a baseline of 90 µmol/L (normal range
60 - 120 µmol/L).
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Normal physiological response after surgery
B. Post nephrectomy oliguria
C. Benign prostatic hypertrophy
D. AKI stage 1
E. SIADHQuestion 1
A 58-year-old male is on the surgical ward after undergoing a total nephrectomy two days
previously. He appears well and examination findings are normal, although his urine
output has dropped. His fluid chart shows he has passed 850ml of urine in the past 24
hours. He weighs 80kg.
Blood tests show a creatinine rise to 108 µmol/L from a baseline of 90 µmol/L (normal range
60 - 120 µmol/L).
What is the most likely diagnosis?
A. Normal physiological response after surgery
B. Post nephrectomy oliguria
C. Benign prostatic hypertrophy
D. AKI stage 1
E. SIADHQuestion 1-Explanation
This gentleman has an AKI stage 1 as per the KDIGO criteria. His weight is 80kg
as so the minimum amount of urine we would expect in 24 hours is
0.5ml/kg/hr x 80kg x 24hr = 960ml. His AKI is likely due to dehydration.Acute KidneyInjury
AKI is the sudden deterioration of kidney function, categorised into
pre-renal, renal, and post-renal causes. KDIGO criteria for AKI stage 1:
- Increase in serum creatinine of >26.5 𝝻mol/L within 48hrs OR
- Increase in serum creatinine of 1.5x baseline within 7days OR
- Urine output <0.5 ml/kg/hr for >6hrs
Stage 2:
- Increase in serum creatinine of up to 3x baseline within 7days
- Urine output <0.5 ml/kg/hr for >12hrs
Stage 3:
- Increase in serum creatinine of >354 𝝻mol/L
- Increase in serum creatinine of >3x baseline within 7days
- Urine output <0.3 ml/kd/hr for >24hrs
- Anuria for 12hrs
Clinical presentation: depends on the cause of AKI Acute KidneyInjury
Investigations:
- Bloods (FBC, U&Es, LFTs, CRP, bone profile)
- Bedside tests (urinalysis, urine culture, ABG/VBG, Obs, ECG)
- Imaging (bladder scan, renal ultrasound, fundoscopy, CT KUB)
- Special tests (renal screen, biopsy)
Management:
t
p 1. Correct hypovolaemia - give regular small 250ml fluid boluses of
u crystalloid, daily U&Es, fluid input/output
S 2. Correct hyperkalaemia - 10ml 10% calcium chloride/ gluconate,
insulin/dextrose, saline nebs
3. Review medications:
w a. Stop nephrotoxics (DAMN - Diuretics, ACEi, Metformin, NSAIDs)
v b. Discuss Toxicity Bear with parent team
R
c. Review all drug doses in renal impairment
4. Review bladder scan (>500ml residual -> catheterise) and other imaging
5. Alert senior early
t 6. Refer to nephrology if:
a - ?Intrinsic renal disease Source: GrepMed
s - Renal transplant
E - BG CKD 4-5
- Dialysis indicatedAcute KidneyInjury
Hydronephrosed Kidney TCC in bladder
Source: POCUS journal Source: RadiopaediaQuestion 2
A 72-year-old Caucasian man presents to his GP with bilateral lower limb swelling. He has
type 2 diabetes which he manages with metformin. On examination, he has pitting
peripheral oedema, a clear chest and normal heart sounds.
He has a normal full blood count and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) but elevated
triglycerides, hypoalbuminaemia and serum creatinine of 167 umol/L. His protein-creatinine
ratio is 490 mg/mmol (< 50 mg/mmol). Urinalysis showed no blood and protein +++
What is the most likely underlying diagnosis?
A. Heart failure
B. Minimal change disease
C. IgA nephropathy
D. Membranous nephropathy
E. Diabetic nephropathy.Question 2
A 72-year-old Caucasian man presents to his GP with bilateral lower limb swelling. He has
type 2 diabetes which he manages with metformin. On examination, he has pitting
peripheral oedema, a clear chest and normal heart sounds.
He has a normal full blood count and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) but elevated
triglycerides, hypoalbuminaemia and serum creatinine of 167 umol/L. His
protein-creatinine ratio is 490 mg/mmol (< 50 mg/mmol). Urinalysis showed no blood and
protein +++
What is the most likely underlying diagnosis?
A. Heart failure
B. Minimal change disease
C. IgA nephropathy
D. Membranous nephropathy
E. Diabetic nephropathy.Question 2-Explanation
This gentleman matches the criteria for nephrotic syndrome and his age
points towards membranous nephropathy which is the most common cause
of nephrotic syndrome in adults.Nephroticsyndrome
Investigations:
Nephrotic syndrome is diagnosed with the presence of:
- Bloods (FBC, U&Es, LFTs, CRP, bone profile)
- Proteinuria > 3.5 grams/24 hours
- Bedside tests (urinalysis, urine culture, ABG/VBG, Obs,
- Serum albumin < 30 grams/litre ECG, protein:creatinine ratio)
- Peripheral oedema - Imaging (bladder scan, renal ultrasound, fundoscopy, CT
KUB, CXR, CT chest)
Clinical features: - Special tests (renal screen, biopsy)
- Anti-GBM, ANA, dsDNA, ANCA, cryoglobulins
- Frothy urine due to protein - Myeloma screen: serum electrophoresis,
- Swelling over the face and body serum free light chains, immunoglobulins
- Weight gain due to fluid retention - Viral screen: HepB, HepC, HIV, CMV, EBV
- Fatigue Differentials investigations:
- Lethargy
- Hypoalbuminaemia: Muehkrcke’s lines - white - Heart failure - NTproBNP
- CV risk factors - HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipid profile
transverse lines on the nails
- Hyperlipidaemia: xanthelasma, xanthoma Complications investigations:
- Hypercoagulability - coag screen, doppler US, CTPA
- Vit D deficiency - bone profileNephroticsyndrome
1. Restrict fluid intake <1.5L/day
2. Restrict salt intake <2g/day
3. Dietary input
Management: 4. Daily weights - target 1-2kg weight loss/day
5. TEDs
1. Deal with the acute problem
2. Combat the cause
3. Optimise renoprotection Mainstay of treatment for most nephrotic syndromes is steroids
with planned weaning after remission.
6. Steroids
7. Immunosuppressants
Renoprotective treatment is similar for CKD.
8. ACEi/ARBs
9. Vaccinations
10. Consider statinsQuestion 3
A 26-year-old man presents to A&E with shortness of breath and haemoptysis. He has been
feeling generally unwell for three days and started coughing up blood this morning. He
smokes 10 cigarettes a day but otherwise has no past medical history.
His creatinine is 200 umol/L (baseline 90), and urinalysis shows protein ++ and blood +++. An
intrinsic cause of AKI is suspected and a renal biopsy is performed.
What would be expected on renal biopsy?
A. Subendothelial and mesangium immune deposits of electron-dense material forming a
‘tram-track’ appearance
B. Effacement of foot processes and fusion of podocyte on electron microscopy
C. Formation of epithelial crescent in glomeruli
D. ‘Starry sky’ appearance on immunofluorescence
E. Mesangial IgA immune complex depositionQuestion 3
A 26-year-old man presents to A&E with shortness of breath and haemoptysis. He has
been feeling generally unwell for three days and started coughing up blood this morning.
He smokes 10 cigarettes a day but otherwise has no past medical history.
His creatinine is 200 umol/L (baseline 90), and urinalysis shows protein ++ and blood +++.
An intrinsic cause of AKI is suspected and a renal biopsy is performed.
What would be expected on renal biopsy?
A. Subendothelial and mesangium immune deposits of electron-dense material forming a
‘tram-track’ appearance
B. Effacement of foot processes and fusion of podocyte on electron microscopy
C. Formation of epithelial crescent in glomeruli
D. ‘Starry sky’ appearance on immunofluorescence
E. Mesangial IgA immune complex depositionQuestion 3-Explanation
AKI + pulmonary haemorrhage that progresses rapidly suggests anti-GBM
disease aka. Goodpasture disease.Anti-GBM disease
Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease is characterised by anti-GBM IgG antibodies attacking type IV collagen
antigens in the kidney and lungs (type II hypersensitivity reaction). It relatively rare compared to other types of
glomerulonephritis.
Clinical features:
- Haematuria + Haemoptysis
- Respiratory symptoms: chest pain, dyspnoea
- Systemic symptoms: fatigue, weight loss
Investigations:
- Bloods (FBC, U&Es, LFTs, CRP, bone profile)
- Bedside tests (urinalysis, urine culture, ABG/VBG, Obs, ECG, protein:creatinine ratio)
- Imaging (bladder scan, renal ultrasound, fundoscopy, CT KUB, CXR, CT chest)
- Special tests (renal screen, biopsy)
- Anti-GBM, ANA, dsDNA, ANCA, cryoglobulins
- Myeloma screen: serum electrophoresis, serum free light chains, immunoglobulins
- Viral screen: HepB, HepC, HIV, CMV, EBVAnti-GBM disease
Management:
1. Supportive
2. Suppress autoantibodies -> High-dose steroids + cyclophosphamide
3. Remove autoantibodies -> Plasma exchange ~2 weeks
4. +/- dialysis
5. +/- renal transplant
If significant pulmonary haemorrhage -> bronchoscopy +/- angiography with
embolisation
^ Pulmonary complications are the most common cause of death due to anti-GBMGlomerular diseases
Source: EdrenNephroticsyndromes
Minimal Change FSGS (Focal segmental Membranous Diabetic Amyloidosis SLE
glomerulosclerosis) nephropathy
Definition Most common cause May be primary to Most common cause of Affects patients with Chronic inflammation due Renal involvement in
of nephrotic syndrome secondary to HIV or nephrotic syndrome in T1DM or T2DM as a to AL amyloid light chain SLE
in children heroin. older patients. worsening progression of deposition in the kidneys
microalbuminuria
Renal Foot podocyte Segmental sclerosis Immune complex Thickening of the Amyloid stains congo red Glomerular
biopsy effacement. Glomeruli deposition on basement glomerular basement and shows apple green (subepithelial)
findings looks normal under membrane -> membrane, mesangial birefringence under capillary inflammation
light microscopy. thickening without expansion and polarised light due to immune
hypercellularity or Kimmelstiel-Wilson complex deposition
proliferation. ‘Spike and nodules.
dome’ appearance
Clues Swollen child. Associated with Associated with History of diabetes and no Systemic features Systemic features
Responds to steroids. hyperlipidaemia and hyperlipidaemia and other risk factors for other
peripheral oedema peripheral oedema types of GNNephriticsyndromes
Post-streptococcal MPGN / MCGN IgA nephropathy ANCA-associated Anti-GBM/ Goodpastures/
(Membranoproliferative) vasculitis (GPA, EGPA, RPGN (rapidly
MPA) progressive
glomerulonephritis)
Definition A mixture of inflammation A type of rapidly IgA deposition in the Multiple types of Rare; Anti-GBM antibodies
and neutrophil infiltration progressive mesangium. It’s the most autoimmune small vessel to non-collagenous domain
caused by group A glomerulonephritis. Can be common type of vasculitides due to ANCA of type IV collagen
B-haemolytic streptococci caused by Hep C, mixed glomerulonephritis antibody
cryoglobulinemia, worldwide.
monoclonal gammopathies
Renal biopsy Diffuse IgG and C3 ‘Double contour’ or ‘tram Diffuse mesangial IgA Focal and segmental Focal and segmental
findings immune-complex track’ crescents on immune complex deposition necrotising necrotising crescents and
deposition. Subepithelial basement membrane and cell proliferation glomerulonephritis linear IgG along the
‘humps’ and ‘starry sky’ basement membrane
appearance on electron
microscopy.
Clues Haematuria 1-3 weeks after AKI/ sharp rise in creatinine Haematuria 1-3 days after Positive p-ANCA or AKI/ sharp rise in creatinine
infection in children - may infection in young adults c-ANCA. + Rapidly progressive
be otherwise asymptomatic. haemoptysis and
pulmonary haemorrhageQuestion 4
A 49-year-old man with multiple comorbidities presents with dark-coloured
urine and ache-like pain in his forearms and thighs. His U&Es show elevated
urea and a creatinine of 210 umol/L (baseline 90 umol/L). His CK level is 2000
u/L (35-250 u/L). He recalls starting a new medication 2 weeks ago.
Which of the following medications is the most likely precipitator?
A. B-blocker
B. ACE inhibitor
C. Gentamicin
D. Statin
E. Loop diureticQuestion 4
A 49-year-old man with multiple comorbidities presents with dark-coloured urine
and ache-like pain in his forearms and thighs. His U&Es show elevated urea and a
creatinine of 210 umol/L (baseline 90 umol/L). His CK level is 2000 u/L (35-250
u/L). He recalls starting a new medication 2 weeks ago.
Which of the following medications is the most likely precipitator?
A. B-blocker
B. ACE inhibitor
C. Gentamicin
D. Statin
E. Loop diureticQuestion 4-Explanation
This gentleman is most likely to be experiencing rhabdomyolysis. Statins are
well-known for causing rhabdomyolysis.Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is the breakdown of skeletal muscle, releasing myoglobin and electrolytes into the
blood. It can result after trauma, a long lie, status epilepticus, compartment syndrome, or after
medication use.
Clinical features:
- Dark coloured urine + AKI
- Muscle pain (may be disproportionate to injury)
Investigations:
- Bloods (FBC, U&Es, LFTs, CRP, bone profile, Creatinine Kinase)
- Bedside tests (urinalysis, ABG/VBG, Obs, ECG)
- Imaging (N/A)
- Special tests (muscle biopsy at least 1 month after acute episode)
Management:
- SupportiveQuestion 5
A 30-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease presents to A&E at night.
For the past 2 months she has used Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal
Dialysis (CAPD). Today, she feels unwell with abdominal pain and describes
her last bag as being 'cloudy'.
What is the most appropriate management?
A. Dip urine and prescribe PO steroids
B. Refer to renal
C. Give IV vancomycin and ceftazidime
D. Reduce ultrafiltration rate
E. Replace the peritoneal catheter and give PO metronidazoleQuestion 5
A 30-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease presents to A&E at night.
For the past 2 months she has used Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal
Dialysis (CAPD). Today, she feels unwell with abdominal pain and describes
her last bag as being 'cloudy'.
What is your next step in management?
A. Dip urine and prescribe PO steroids
B. Refer to renal
C. Give IV vancomycin
D. Reduce ultrafiltration rate
E. Replace the peritoneal catheter and give PO metronidazoleQuestion 5-Explanation
This lady most likely has an infection related to peritoneal dialysis which
requires urgent treatment. This would require vancomycin and ceftazidime
added to dialysis fluid, not IV. Referral to renal would be appropriate as they
would be able to organise this and sample her peritoneal fluid as the same
time.Dialysis
There are two main types of dialysis: haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Haemodialysis Peritoneal dialysis
- Requires AV fistula - A peritoneal catheter runs dialysate fluid through the
- Solutes are drawn across the membrane in the dialysis abdominal cavity and is left for a few hours before being
machine down a diffusion gradient to normalise drained.
electrolytes and remove urea - There are two types: -> CAPD 3-4x/day, or -> APD
overnight
Complications: Complications:
- Hypotension - Bacterial peritonitis (Staph. Epidermidis most common)
- Muscle cramps (electrolyte disturbances) - Sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis
- Arrhythmias - Small bowel obstruction
- Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome (rare) - Catheter leaks
- AV fistula ishcaemic steal syndromeDialysis
Acute indications for dialysis: Other indications:
- eGFR 5-7 ml/min/1.73m2
A Acidosis (pH <7.2 OR bicarb <10mmol/L) - While awaiting renal transplant
E Electrolytes (persistent raised K+ >7mmol/L)
I Intoxication (BLAST - Barbituates, Lithium,
Alcohol, Salicylates, Theophylline)
O Oedema (refractory pulmonary oedema)
U Uraemia (urea >40 OR uraemic endocarditis
OR uraemic encephalitis)LearningOutcomesQuestion 6
A 74F presents to the acute medical unit with fevers, loose stools and
abdominal pain. On her past medical history you note, CKD4 treated with a
renal transplant 18 months ago, T2DM, and HTN. Her bloods show a reduced
WCC, Hb and Neutrophils, with a raised CRP.
What is the most likely cause of her presentation?
a) HIV infection
b) CMV infection
c) Toxoplasmosis
d) B. cereus
e) E. coliQuestion 6
A 74F presents to the acute medical unit with fevers, loose stools and
abdominal pain. On her past medical history you note, CKD4 treated with a
renal transplant 18 months ago, T2DM, and HTN. Her bloods show a reduced
Hb and Neutrophils, with a raised CRP and WCC.
What is the most likely cause of her presentation?
a) HIV infection
b) CMV infection
c) Toxoplasmosis
d) B. cereus
e) E. coliRenal transplants
The definitive form of renal replacement
therapy for patients with end stage renal
disease.
Will often need chronic long term follow up,
as well as immunosuppression
Most commonly prescribed - Tacrolimus;
Mycophenolic acid.
Impairs innate immune response to both
host reaction and to pathogens.
CMV is the most opportunistic infection in
immunosuppressed transplant patients.Question 7
A 34M presents to A&E with new-onset frank haematuria, pain in his groin
radiating up to his left back. On examination he is found to have a flank mass,
and on exposure of his scrotum you find a left sided mass that
transilluminates and becomes more prominent on standing.
What is the anatomical relation for this examination finding?
a) Ureteric backflow into the urethra
b) Spermatic cord blockage
c) Left testicular vein drainage into the left renal vein
d) Chronic venous insufficiency
e) Lymphatic drainage to the testiclesQuestion 7
A 34M presents to A&E with new-onset frank haematuria, pain in his groin
radiating up to his left back. On examination he is found to have a flank mass,
and on exposure of his scrotum you find a left sided mass that
transilluminates and becomes more prominent on standing.
What is the anatomical relation for this examination finding?
a) Ureteric backflow into the urethra
b) Spermatic cord blockage
c) Left testicular vein drainage into the left renal vein
d) Chronic venous insufficiency
e) Lymphatic drainage to the testiclesRenalCellCancer
May be caused by a renal cell tumour that
compresses the left renal vein, causing
backflow into the left testicular vein >>
blood backs up into the pampiniform plexusRenalCellCancer
May be caused by a renal cell tumour that
compresses the left renal vein, causing
backflow into the left testicular vein >>
blood backs up into the pampiniform plexusRenalCellCancer
May be caused by a renal cell tumour that
compresses the left renal vein, causing
backflow into the left testicular vein >> blood
backs up into the pampiniform plexus
While not all varicoceles indicate cancer, may
have a compressive mass or vascular spread of
malignancyQuestion 8
Sodium 135 13
A 65M presents to his GP his annual 5–146
well-man check up. As part of this the GP mmol/L
reviews his U&Es: Potassium 4.0 3.5
–5.3 mmol/L
What monitoring should be commenced by
the GP on discharge? Urea 8.0 2.5
– 7.8
mmol/L
a) Hba1c
b) Sodium, Potassium and Calcium eGFR 20 >90ml/min/1
.73m2
c) Calcium, Phosphate, PTH levels
d) Haemoglobin, White cell counts, Creatinine 150 Men
μmol/L
Neutrophil count Women
e) Blood pressure, heart rate and 45–84 μmol/
saturations LQuestion 8
Sodium 135 13
A 65M presents to his GP his annual 5–146
well-man check up. As part of this the GP mmol/L
reviews his U&Es: Potassium 4.0 3.5
–5.3 mmol/L
What monitoring should be commenced by
the GP on discharge? Urea 8.0 2.5
– 7.8
mmol/L
a) Hba1c
b) Sodium, Potassium and Calcium eGFR 20 >90ml/min/1
.73m2
c) Calcium, Phosphate, PTH levels
d) Haemoglobin, White cell counts, Creatinine 150 Men
μmol/L
Neutrophil count Women
e) Blood pressure, heart rate and 45–84 μmol/
saturations LCKDNICEGuidelines
NICE Guidelines 203 - Chronic kidney disease:
assessment and managementQuestion 9
A 10F presents to Paeds ED with acute bloody diarrhoea following eating at a picnic.
She is admitted and is commenced on steroids and supportive fluid therapy. Despite
this she develops an acute kidney injury, with a prolonged bleeding time on a
coagulation screen. You take a blood sample and examine it on a light microscope.
What findings would you be most likely to see on blood film microscopy?
a) Red blood cell schistocytes
b) ‘Rough’ looking red blood cells
c) Polymorphic white blood cells
d) Large red blood cells
e) MacrophagesQuestion 9
A 10F presents to Paeds ED with acute bloody diarrhoea following eating at a picnic.
She is admitted and is commenced on steroids and supportive fluid therapy. Despite
this she develops an acute kidney injury, with a prolonged bleeding time on a
coagulation screen. You take a blood sample and examine it on a light microscope.
What findings would you be most likely to see on blood film microscopy?
a) Red blood cell schistocytes
b) ‘Rough’ looking red blood cells
c) Polymorphic white blood cells
d) Large red blood cells
e) MacrophagesHaemolytic-Uraemicsyndrome
A syndrome characterised by anaemia secondary to
haemolysis, new AKI with Uraemia, and
thrombycytopaenia.
The majority of cases occur secondary to infection with a
Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli.
Blood film is key for diagnosis - will show schistocytes
(‘burst’) red blood cells. Bursting -> loss of RBCs -> loss of
haemoglobin causing anaemia.
Thrombocytopaenia caused by endothelial damage
causing microclots using up platelets (primary
haemostasis)Question 10
A 60M with end stage renal failure and peripheral
vascular disease presents to the vascular ward
awaiting definitive management of a non-healing
chronic venous ulcer. During this admission he
develops a new bradycardia and oliguria. A VBG is
taken which shows: Sodium 135; Potassium 6.3; Urea
8.0; GFR 15; Creatinine 300; Hb 90; WCC 4.5; Neuts 5.0.
An ECG is taken which shows:
What is the best initial management
a) Salbutamol 5mg Neb
b) Lokelma 10g TDS
c) Calcium gluconate 10% 30ml STAT
d) Glucose-K+ infusion
e) Hartmann’s 1L fluid resuscitationQuestion 10
A 60M with end stage renal failure and peripheral
vascular disease presents to the vascular ward
awaiting definitive management of a non-healing
chronic venous ulcer. During this admission he
develops a new bradycardia and oliguria. A VBG is
taken which shows: Sodium 135; Potassium 6.3; Urea
8.0; GFR 15; Creatinine 300; Hb 90; WCC 4.5; Neuts 5.0.
An ECG is taken which shows:
What is the best initial management
a) Salbutamol 5mg Neb
b) Lokelma 10g TDS
c) Calcium gluconate 10% 30ml STAT
d) Glucose-K+ infusion
e) Hartmann’s 1L fluid resuscitationHyperkalaemia
Common electrolyte abnormality seen
on surgical wards
Aetiology varied: concurrent chronic
illness, acute stressor such as
infection
Key points:
● Identify ECG changes if present
● Acute and Long term K+
management SEEYOUNEXT
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