20 terms in nephrology
The anion gap represents the difference between measured cations (Na⁺) and measured anions (Cl⁻ + HCO₃⁻). It reflects unmeasured anions in t…
Congenital absence of both kidneys (and ureters), often referred to as classic Potter syndrome. The lack of fetal renal function causes seve…
Progressive loss of kidney function over ≥3 months, defined by eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² or signs of kidney damage (e.g., persistent albuminur…
The Cockcroft-Gault equation estimates creatinine clearance (CrCl) as a surrogate for glomerular filtration rate (GFR). It accounts for age,…
Inflammation of the kidney's glomeruli (often immune-mediated) presenting as nephritic syndrome – hematuria (with RBC casts), usually mild-m…
Presence of blood in the urine (typically ≥3 RBCs/HPF on microscopy). Gross hematuria is visible blood (urine appearing red, pink, or tea-co…
Life-threatening functional renal failure occurring in advanced liver disease (cirrhosis with ascites), characterized by a rapid decline in …
Congenital fusion anomaly in which the two kidneys, most often at the lower poles, are joined by an isthmus that crosses the midline. The fu…
Elevated blood lactate (usually >4 mmol/L) causing an anion gap metabolic acidosis (arterial pH <7.35 with low bicarbonate).
A group of autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial nephropathies characterized by slowly progressive chronic kidney disease with a bland urina…
Primary acid–base disturbance characterized by a reduction in serum HCO₃⁻ (bicarbonate), usually with compensatory drop in Pco₂; blood pH is…
Elevated blood pH (>7.45) due to a primary increase in bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻).
Congenital malformation of a kidney in which multiple noncommunicating cysts replace normal renal tissue, rendering the organ nonfunctional.…
Inflammation of the glomeruli causing hematuria (blood and RBC casts in urine), usually mild proteinuria (<3.5 g/day), decreased GFR (oligur…
Kidney disorder with nephrotic-range proteinuria (>3.5 g/day) causing hypoalbuminemia, generalized edema, and hyperlipidemia from glomerular…
Urinary bladder dysfunction caused by injury or disease of the nervous system that impairs bladder control (e.g., spinal cord or peripheral …
Obstructive uropathy is a structural or functional blockage of urinary flow, causing a back-up of urine (hydronephrosis) and potential kidne…
Genetic disorders characterized by numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. Autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD) is common (≈1:500) and usually…
Sodium (Na⁺) is the major extracellular cation and the primary determinant of plasma osmolality. It plays a critical role in maintaining flu…
Winter's formula predicts the expected PCO₂ in a patient with metabolic acidosis if respiratory compensation is appropriate. It helps identi…