Background

Condition Lookup

Number of Conditions: 4

Preeclampsia and Eclampsia

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Other Renal-Associated Conditions

Sub-category: Pregnancy-Related Kidney Conditions

Symptoms:
high blood pressure; proteinuria; swelling in hands and face; headache; visual disturbances; upper abdominal pain; nausea or vomiting; shortness of breath; seizures in eclampsia

Root Cause:
Abnormal placental development leading to systemic endothelial dysfunction, causing hypertension, proteinuria, and other organ damage.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood pressure measurement (greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg), urine tests for proteinuria, blood tests for liver function, kidney function, and platelet count, and fetal ultrasound for growth assessment.

Treatment:
Blood pressure management, magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures, corticosteroids to accelerate fetal lung maturity if delivery is anticipated, and delivery of the baby as the definitive treatment.

Medications:
Antihypertensives such as labetalol (beta-blocker), hydralazine (vasodilator), or nifedipine (calcium channel blocker); magnesium sulfate (anticonvulsant) for seizure prevention.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects 2-8% of pregnancies globally, more common in first-time pregnancies.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
First pregnancy, history of preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies (twins or more), obesity, pre-existing hypertension or diabetes, maternal age <20 or >35, and certain genetic factors.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
With timely treatment, outcomes are generally good; however, severe cases can lead to long-term health issues for both mother and baby.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Eclampsia (seizures), HELLP syndrome, liver or kidney failure, placental abruption, preterm delivery, maternal or fetal death.

NSAIDs, Aminoglycosides, Cisplatin, etc.

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Other Renal-Associated Conditions

Sub-category: Drug-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Symptoms:
decreased urine output; swelling (edema); fatigue; nausea; shortness of breath; elevated blood pressure

Root Cause:
These medications can cause direct injury to renal tubular cells, disrupt glomerular filtration, or induce interstitial inflammation. Mechanisms include oxidative stress, vasoconstriction, and impaired renal perfusion.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis involves patient history (exposure to nephrotoxic drugs), lab tests (elevated serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen levels), urine analysis (proteinuria, hematuria), and imaging studies (ultrasound to assess kidney structure).

Treatment:
Discontinuation of the offending drug, supportive care, and measures to enhance renal recovery (hydration, electrolyte balance). In severe cases, dialysis may be required.

Medications:
Treatment includes medications like N-acetylcysteine (antioxidant used to mitigate cisplatin-induced toxicity), diuretics (loop diuretics like furosemide for volume control), and electrolyte supplements for disturbances. Medications to manage complications like antihypertensives may also be prescribed.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Drug-induced nephrotoxicity is reported in approximately 10-25% of hospitalized patients exposed to nephrotoxic agents.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Pre-existing renal impairment; Advanced age; Concurrent use of multiple nephrotoxic drugs; Dehydration; Diabetes; Hypertension

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Prognosis varies depending on the extent of kidney damage and timely intervention. Acute kidney injury (AKI) caused by drugs is often reversible, but delayed treatment can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Progression to chronic kidney disease; Electrolyte imbalances; Fluid overload; Increased risk of cardiovascular events; Need for long-term dialysis in severe cases

HELLP Syndrome

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Other Renal-Associated Conditions

Sub-category: Pregnancy-Related Kidney Conditions

Symptoms:
right upper abdominal pain; nausea; vomiting; headache; swelling; high blood pressure; fatigue; visual disturbances

Root Cause:
Severe form of preeclampsia characterized by hemolysis (H), elevated liver enzymes (EL), and low platelet count (LP). It reflects systemic endothelial dysfunction and microangiopathy.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests showing hemolysis (schistocytes on blood smear), elevated liver enzymes (AST/ALT), low platelet count (<100,000/µL), and signs of end-organ damage; urine tests for proteinuria; imaging if indicated.

Treatment:
Delivery of the baby as the definitive treatment; supportive care with blood pressure management, magnesium sulfate for seizure prevention, and transfusions (platelets, red blood cells) if necessary.

Medications:
Antihypertensives such as labetalol or nifedipine , magnesium sulfate (anticonvulsant), and corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone ) to improve platelet count and fetal lung maturity.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Occurs in approximately 0.5-0.9% of pregnancies, often associated with severe preeclampsia.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
History of preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies, obesity, pre-existing hypertension, or autoimmune disorders.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with prompt delivery and management; however, maternal and fetal morbidity or mortality risk is higher without early intervention.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), liver rupture, kidney failure, stroke, placental abruption, preterm delivery, or maternal and fetal death.

Rhabdomyolysis-Induced Kidney Injury

Specialty: Nephrology

Category: Other Renal-Associated Conditions

Symptoms:
muscle pain and weakness; dark urine (tea or cola-colored); fatigue; swelling in affected muscles; nausea and vomiting

Root Cause:
Breakdown of muscle tissue releases myoglobin, potassium, and other intracellular substances into the bloodstream, leading to kidney damage through tubular obstruction, oxidative stress, and ischemia.

How it's Diagnosed: videos
Blood tests (elevated creatine kinase, potassium, and myoglobin levels), urinalysis (presence of myoglobin), and renal function tests (elevated creatinine and BUN).

Treatment:
Aggressive intravenous hydration to prevent kidney damage, correction of electrolyte imbalances, and, in severe cases, dialysis.

Medications:
Medications include alkalizing agents like sodium bicarbonate to alkalinize urine and diuretics (e.g., furosemide ) to increase urine output and reduce myoglobin concentration.

Prevalence: How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Relatively uncommon but more likely in individuals experiencing trauma, extreme exertion, or certain medical conditions.

Risk Factors: Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Trauma, strenuous exercise, crush injuries, statin medications, alcohol or drug abuse, and infections.

Prognosis: The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Favorable with timely treatment; however, severe cases can lead to permanent kidney damage or failure.

Complications: Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Acute kidney injury (AKI), hyperkalemia, metabolic acidosis, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and compartment syndrome.