31 Pathology of the Urinary System

Flashcards covering the key vocabulary and concepts from Lecture 31: Pathology of the Urinary System.

Nephrolithiasis

Formation of renal calculi (kidney stones), often composed of calcium oxalate salts, forming when ions and salts are present in filtrate at higher amounts.

Renal colic

Severe pain associated with kidney stones.

Nephrolithiasis Diagnosis

Diagnosed by computed tomography and intravenous pyelogram (IVP). IVP uses a contrast medium such as iodine.

Glomerulonephritis

Inflammation of glomerular capillaries and basement membrane, increasing GHP and leading to blood and protein in urine, potentially leading to renal failure.

Renal Failure

Decreased GFR resulting from decreased blood flow to kidneys, kidney disease, or urine obstructions; risk factors include diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

Uremia

Severe renal failure where GFR is 50% of normal, characterized by buildup of waste products and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base imbalances, often requiring dialysis.

Hemodialysis

Removes blood and filters wastes and extra fluid, normalizes electrolyte and acid-base balance, typically performed 3 times a week.

Peritoneal dialysis

Dialysis fluid is placed into peritoneal cavity that circulates and allowed to drain. Typically performed nightly at home.

Classes of Drugs to Reduce Blood Pressure

ACE inhibitors, Angiotensin-receptor blockers, Aldosterone antagonists.

Hyperglycemia

High blood glucose levels (>100 mg/dl, fasting).

Glycosuria

Glucose in urine, commonly seen in diabetes mellitus where the transport maximum is exceeded due to too much glucose in filtrate.

SIADH (Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion)

Hypersecretion of anti-diuretic hormone, resulting in excessive fluid retention leading to decreased plasma osmolarity and high urine osmolarity.

Interstitial Cystitis

Inadequate mucus production by urinary bladder mucosa, allowing acid and other toxic substances in urine to damage mucosa and tissues.

Renal Clearance

Rate at which kidneys remove a substance from blood.

Renal clearance of inulin

Used to estimate GFR; it is completely filtered and neither reabsorbed nor secreted.