What is haemolytic uraemic syndrome or HUS? Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a medical emergency. It is a rare but serious condition, often due to infection (especially bacteria such as subgroups of E Coli), and less commonly to genetic predisposition or other underlying conditions. It affects blood vessels (causing inflammation and small blood clots) all over […]
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E Coli O145 outbreak in UK – HUS and AKI Public health agencies across the United Kingdom are searching for the source of an Escherichia coli (E Coli) outbreak which has affected more than 100 people in less than two weeks. E Coli is a common bacterium. It is a common cause of UTIs and
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Myeloma and the kidney In this article, we will describe what is myeloma, how it affects the kidneys, and what treatment is available. Myeloma is a type of blood cancer arising from ‘plasma cells’ that are normally found in the bone marrow. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell which form part of
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What is a pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction? Pelvi-ureteric junction (PUJ) obstruction is a condition where there is a blockage at the point where the renal pelvis (the area where the kidney collects urine) meets the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder). Image provided courtesy of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
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What is a renal angiomyolipoma? In this article, we will describe 10 facts about renal angiomyolipoma. 1. What is an angiomyolipoma (AML)? AML is a type of benign kidney tumour composed of blood vessels, smooth muscle cells, and fat cells. It is not a cancer. They are called angiomyolipoma as they consist of thick walled
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What is analgesic nephropathy? In this article we will describe what is analgesic nephropathy. It is a condition characterised by damage to the kidneys due to long-term or excessive use of certain pain medications; particularly analgesics like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and combination analgesics containing phenacetin, aspirin, or acetaminophen. Note. NSAIDs can affect the kidneys
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What is hyponatraemia? Hyponatraemia means a low sodium level in the blood. Sodium levels are very closely linked to fluid levels, as sodium is the primary extracellular electrolyte – as opposed to potassium which is intracellular. Patients may be hypovolaemic (‘dry’), hypervolaemic (‘wet’) or euvolaemic (‘in the middle’). Hyponatraemia is commonly seen both in the
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AKI on CKD – what we know AKI and CKD are interconnected syndromes On one hand, AKI contributes to the initiation and progression of CKD And the risk of CKD depends on the severity of AKI On the other hand, CKD predisposes patients to AKI AKI on CKD has a poor prognosis Increased proteinuria is
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What’s the difference between AKI and CKD? Both are very common. In fact 30% of patients admitted to hospital with an emergency have AKI – usually due to infection and dehydration. Also 10% of the population have CKD (and many don’t know it). So. What’s the difference between AKI and CKD? Even though both are
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What are the 10 complications of CKD? 1. Acute kidney injury (AKI) 2. Fluid overload and high potassium level 3. High blood pressure and high cholesterol 4. Heart and brain disease 5. Renal anaemia 6. Renal bone disease 7. Renal acidosis (and malnutrition) 8. Peripheral neuropathy and myopathy 9. Malignancy (cancer) 10. End-stage renal failure
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