Most of this pre-course lecture by Dr. A.D. Wagner. Let's see if you know more than I do about the kidney (which is not hard) ...
The "ECG" for the nephrologist would be:
a) Lab tests
b) Urine sample
c) Ultrasound
d) Biopsy
2. The following can cause interstitial nephritis:
a) Allergic reaction to a medication – sulfasalazine
b) Too much calcium (sarcoidosis)
c) Too much uric acid (gout)
d) All of the above
3. The presence of active sediment is:
a) Important to monitor monthly
b) Tolerable and common
c) Pathognomonic for acute glomerulonephritis and requires prompt action
d) None of the above
The answers are below. Did you get them all correct? If not, here are my take home messages from this pre-course:
Think of renal involvement in rheumatic diseases
Kidney biopsy has prognostic and therapeutic consequences
Mortality in rheumatic diseases is elevated if there is renal involvement
Consider urinalysis for patients on sulfasalazine
Answers: 1b, 2d, 3c
Marlene Thompson is an Associate Clinical Professor in Physical Therapy at Western University and an Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner in Arthritis Care. Marlene′s research interests include models of care, triage, advanced practice roles, and arthritis education.
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