Renal PBL

A disease where the glomeruli (small filtering units in the kidneys) have damage due to the immune system attacking them and creating inflammation.

Tiny filters in the kidneys that help filter blood and remove waste products.

Excess protein in the urine, a sign of kidney damage.

A measure of how well the kidneys are filtering blood.

Immune system attacking the body's own tissues.

A chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, and kidneys.

A 'butterfly' shaped rash across the cheeks and nose, often a symptom of SLE.

Pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.

Excess fluid in a joint space.

Immune system proteins (complexes) building up in the kidney's filters, triggering inflammation.

Indicates a presence of antibodies targeting components of the cell nucleus, suggesting a possible autoimmune condition like SLE.

Four or more criteria, such as rash, joint issues, positive ANA, and anemia, that point towards Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Plasma increases more than red blood cells resulting in lowered hematocrit, making blood thinner and encouraging placenta flow.

These immune cells increase during pregnancy, supporting the mother's tolerance of her fetus and aiding in potentially suppressing autoimmune disease symptoms.

Kidney function improvement during pregnancy, a normal response.

Serum sodium decreases due to a lower antidiuretic hormone threshold as the body adapts to pregnancy.

Potassium (K) decreases during pregnancy, as potassium is needed to create fetal tissue.

A slight drop in serum bicarbonate due to mild hyperventilation (respiratory alkalosis) during pregnancy.

Presence of protein in urine, a sign of potential kidney issues during pregnancy, needs cautious monitoring.

Swelling of the optic disc, often linked to increased intracranial pressure, in late pregnancy.

A crescent-shaped structure in Bowman's space of the kidney, indicating severe glomerular inflammation and damage.

A thin layer of tissue that surrounds the capillaries in the glomeruli, acting as a filter for blood.

Immune complexes accumulate under the podocytes (subepithelial) or endothelial cells (subendothelial) of the glomerular capillaries.

A serious kidney disease caused by inflammation of the glomeruli due to the immune system attacking them.

A severe form of lupus nephritis characterized by proliferation of cells and crescent formation, indicating significant glomerular damage.

Medication used to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels and dilating the efferent arteriole, reducing pressure in the glomeruli.

A type of steroid medication used to suppress the immune system, reducing inflammation.

A chemotherapy drug that inhibits the growth and proliferation of certain white blood cells, particularly T and B lymphocytes.

An immunosuppressant drug that inhibits the production of key molecules needed by T and B lymphocytes to function.

A monoclonal antibody that binds to B-lymphocyte stimulator, blocking its role in B cell survival and differentiation.

Reduced protein in the blood, specifically albumin, often due to leakage into urine, contributing to edema.

Swelling caused by excessive fluid accumulation in body tissues, often associated with low albumin levels.

Edema in this case is due to a combination of low serum albumin, leading to decreased oncotic pressure in the blood vessels, and increased capillary permeability, allowing fluid to escape.

Presence of red blood cells in the urine, usually indicating kidney damage or irritation of the urinary tract.

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), a measure of kidney function, significantly decreases, indicating kidney dysfunction.

Two possible diagnoses in this scenario: Preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication causing high blood pressure and proteinuria, or a Lupus flare, where autoimmune attack affects the kidneys.

A medication used to lower blood pressure in preeclampsia and prevent seizures by relaxing blood vessels, increasing nitric oxide production, and blocking brain receptors.

A hormone that induces labor, stimulating contractions in the uterus.

High potassium levels in the blood, potentially causing heart rhythm abnormalities (like peaked T-waves).

Breakdown of red blood cells, releasing potassium into the blood, a potential cause of hyperkalemia.