Kidney Function and Acute Injury Electrolytes

The kidneys maintain fluid balance, remove waste, regulate urine, and perform endocrine functions.

A hormone produced by kidneys that controls red blood cell production.

Kidneys activate vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium from the intestines.

Potassium (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) is primarily intracellular and crucial for heart function.

Sodium (135-145 mEq/L) maintains osmotic pressure and is essential for proper brain function; low levels cause confusion.

Low calcium levels in kidney failure stimulate parathyroid hormone, leading to bone weakening.

Kidneys are the primary organs for excreting phosphorus; in kidney damage, phosphorus is high.

Kidneys excrete excess hydrogen ions to maintain acid-base balance; failure to do so can cause metabolic acidosis.

A hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production.

In kidney failure, EPO production is reduced, leading to fewer red blood cells and decreased oxygen delivery to the kidneys.

A measure of how well the kidneys are filtering blood. A healthy GFR is 90-120 ml/min.

Indicates end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where the kidneys fail to adequately filter the blood.

A condition characterized by abnormal levels of nitrogenous waste products in the blood.

A waste product of protein metabolism, produced by the liver, and filtered by the kidney.

A waste product from muscle metabolism, filtered by the kidneys.

A dangerous condition caused by abnormally high levels of waste products in the blood.

Reduced blood flow to kidneys without structural damage, causing elevated BUN and creatinine. It's often reversible and can be caused by heart failure or dehydration.

Direct damage to the kidneys themselves (glomeruli, tubules, interstitial tissue), impairing blood filtering and urine concentration. It can be caused by acute tubular necrosis or glomerulonephritis.

Obstruction of urine outflow, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate. Kidneys try to concentrate urine, but eventually, tubular function is lost.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN): a waste product in the blood, measured to assess kidney function.

Kidney damage caused by a lack of blood flow or toxins. Damaged kidney tubules prevent the kidneys from filtering substances from the blood properly.

Inflammation of the glomeruli (tiny filters in the kidney).

Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is the most frequent cause of intrarenal acute kidney injury, damage to the kidney tubules.

Radiographic contrast media can damage kidney tubules, leading to ATN. BUN and creatinine should be checked before using it.

Damage to muscle tissue releases proteins into the blood, harming the kidneys. Caused by trauma or crushing injuries.

Aminoglycosides like gentamicin, tobramycin, and streptomycin, are powerful antibiotics but can damage the kidneys and inner ear.

The initial phase of ATN sees kidney tubules starting to suffer injury due to lack of oxygen or toxic substances.

The maintenance phase of ATN lasts for 1-2 weeks, with severe kidney dysfunction, low urine output, and electrolyte imbalances.

Postrenal AKI is caused by problems with the urinary tract, like enlarged prostate, blocked catheters, or kidney stones.

Certain medications, like acyclovir and indinavir, can cause kidney damage by forming precipitates and clogging the ureters.

A treatment for kidney failure where a special fluid (dialysate) is put into the peritoneal cavity (lining of the abdomen) to remove waste products and excess fluid.

A tube inserted into the abdomen to deliver and drain dialysate during peritoneal dialysis.

A type of peritoneal dialysis where the patient manually exchanges the dialysate multiple times a day.

A type of peritoneal dialysis using a machine to cycle dialysate exchanges overnight while the patient sleeps.

The process of filling the peritoneal cavity with fresh dialysate and draining out the used fluid.

A 24-hour dialysis treatment for patients with acute kidney injury requiring continuous blood purification.

A surgically created connection between an artery and vein used for hemodialysis, allowing for easier blood access.

Limiting fluid intake for patients with kidney failure to reduce fluid build-up.

Anemia caused by the kidneys' inability to produce enough erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.

The presence of protein in the urine, indicating damage to the filtering units of the kidneys.

An indication of impaired kidney function, as creatinine is a waste product that the kidneys normally filter.

A sign of impaired kidney function, as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a waste product of protein metabolism filtered out by the kidneys.

Elevated potassium levels in the blood, a potential complication of kidney failure.

Medications that increase urine production by inhibiting reabsorption in the loop of Henle, leading to potassium loss.

Medications that pull water from the tissues into the blood vessels, increasing urine production. Used in acute kidney injury to maintain urine output and flush out harmful substances.

A treatment that filters and cleanses the blood when kidneys fail. It can be done through hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or continuous renal replacement therapy.