Overview Goodpasture syndrome, now more precisely termed anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease, is a rare autoimmune small-vessel vasculitis affecting lungs and kidneys, typically manifesting with diffuse alveolar hemorrhage and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.  Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) has an estimated incidence of approximately 0.5 to 1.8 cases per million per year. It demonstrates a bimodal age distribution, […]

Overview Acute kidney injury (AKI) (formerly acute renal failure) is the syndrome arising from a rapid fall in GFR (over hours to days). It is characterized by retention of both nitrogenous (including Urea and Creatinine) and non-nitrogenous waste products of metabolism, as well as disordered electrolyte, acid– base, and fluid homeostasis. Epidemiology Develop in 5- […]

Overview Renal cell carcinomas (originate within the renal cortex) are responsible for 85% of all primary renal neoplasms. Transitional cell carcinomas of the renal pelvis are the next most common (~8%). Renal medullary carcinoma is a rare form of RCC seen in sickle cell disease. The most common pathological type of renal cell carcinoma is clear cell […]

Overview Glomerulonephritis is inflammation of the glomerulus.  Glomerulonephritis is classified by clinical syndrome/presentation (e.g. nephritic or nephrotic syndrome), histological appearance , or by aetiology. We will divide glomerulonephritis broadly into  two broad types: Nephritic glomerulonephritis and nephrotic glormerulonephritis. Classification Two Types of Glomerular disease: DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NEPHROTIC AND NEPHRITIS SYNDROME    Nephrotic Syndrome Nephritic Syndrome […]

Overview The polycystic kidney diseases are among the most common life-threatening inherited diseases worldwide and frequently cause kidney failure. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is seen predominantly in adults, whereas autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is mainly a disease of childhood. For ADPKD, screening asymptomatic at-risk adults with a family history by ultrasound […]

Overview Infection of the urinary tract is common and more so in women (due to shorter urethra and hormonal changes). UTIs may be classified as either a lower (Cystitis, urethritis and Prostatitis) or upper UTI (pyelonephritis). The main causative agents are bacteria such as E-coli. A lower UTI can progress to an upper UTI causing systemic symptoms […]

Overview CKD is responsible for a substantial burden of illness and premature death. The kidneys are basically not working as good. Kidney Physiology eGFR Limitations to eGFR Accurate to +/- 30% Not for use in children, pregnancy, dialysis Extremes of body composition and size Vegetarian diets Rapidly changing renal function Interferences with creatinine assays Aetiology […]

Summary of Hypertension Hypertension can be divided into primary (essential) and secondary hypertension (a result of an underlying condition, ie. renal artery stenosis). It is important to identify wether this is an underlying cause of the hypertension based on history, risk factors and by ordering appropriate tests. Untreated, undiagnosed and poor compliancy can result in […]