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Causes of Kidney conditions

List of causes of Kidney conditions

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Kidney conditions) that could possibly cause Kidney conditions includes:

Causes of Kidney conditions (Diseases Database):

The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Kidney conditions that are listed by the Diseases Database:

Source: Diseases Database

Kidney conditions Causes: Book Excerpts

Kidney conditions as a symptom:

Conditions listing Kidney conditions as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Kidney conditions. Our database lists the following as having Kidney conditions as a symptom of that condition:

Medications or substances causing Kidney conditions:

The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible causes of Kidney conditions as a symptom. This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

See full list of 127 medications causing Kidney conditions


Drug interactions causing Kidney conditions:

When combined, certain drugs, medications, substances or toxins may react causing Kidney conditions as a symptom.

The list below is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

  • Fenofibrate and statin cholesterol-lowering drug interaction - kidney failure
  • Lofibra and statin cholesterol-lowering drug interaction - kidney failure
  • Tricor and statin cholesterol-lowering drug interaction - kidney failure
  • Fenofibrate and atorvastatin interaction - kidney failure
  • Lofibra and atorvastatin interaction - kidney failure
  • more interactions...»

See full list of 405 drug interactions causing Kidney conditions

Medical news summaries relating to Kidney conditions:

The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Kidney conditions:

Related information on causes of Kidney conditions:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Kidney conditions may be found in:

Causes of Kidney conditions: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Kidney conditions.

Hematuria: Differential Diagnosis
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Transient hematuria
    –Urinary tract infection/pyelonephritis
    –Nephrolithiasis (kidney or bladder stones)
    –Exercise
    –Trauma, instrumentation, catheterization, or foreign bodies
    –Endometriosis
    –Transient unexplained
    –Henoch-Schönlein purpura/HUS
    –Coagulopathy and excess anticoagulation
    –Prostatitis, epididymitis
  • Persistent hematuria
    –Sickle cell anemia
    –Cancer (prostate, bladder, kidney)
    –Benign prostatic hypertrophy
    –Polycystic kidney disease
    –Intrinsic glomerular disease
  • Other causes of red or brown urine (pseudohematuria)
    –Beeturia (14% population are susceptible after eating beets): Due to excretion of betalaine, a reddish pigment
    –Myoglobinuria: Rapidly filtered and excreted; source is usually due to rhabdomyolysis; look for increased elevation of plasma CPK levels
    –Hemoglobinuria: Occurs when the filtered load of unbound dimer exceeds resorptive capacity of the proximal tubules, generally at serum levels >100–150 mg/dL
  • Urethral carbuncle
  • Urethritis (e.g., Chlamydia)
  • Porphyria
  • Phenazopyridine (bladder analgesic): Produces an orange color in urine
  • Postinfectious glomerulonephropathy
  • Hereditary (Alport's syndrome)
  • IgA nephropathy (Berger's disease): Often see gross hematuria without positive family history of disease
  • Loin pain hematuria syndrome
  • Thin basement membrane disease (benign familial hematuria): Usually see microscopic hematuria; gross hematuria or renal failure is rare
  • Hypercalciuria or hyperuricuria
  • Arteriovenous malformation
  • Fistula
  • Others include food dyes, phenolphthalein, rifampin, and porphyrins
  • Excessive anticoagulation
  • Trauma
  • » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

    Hematuria: Differential Diagnosis
    (In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)

    • Transient (fever, dehydration, exercise)
    • Urinary tract infection
      –Most common cause of gross hematuria
    • Hypercalciuria (common)
    • Primary glomerulonephritis (GN)
      –Acute poststreptococcal GN: Gross hematuria ±hypertension, oliguria; 5 days to several weeks after Group A strep pharyngitis or pyoderma; can also occur after other infections
      –IgA nephropathy (Berger disease): recurrent gross hematuria occurs at or near onset of a URI
      –Membranoproliferative GN
    • GN associated with systemic disease
      –HSP
      –SLE
      –Other vasculitis (rare) e.g.,Wegener
      • Other glomerular disease
        –Benign familial hematuria
        –Alport syndrome: Usually X linked, high- frequency deafness, progression to renal failure
        –Glomerular disease (e.g., FSGS) usually presents as nephrotic syndrome
      • Tubulointerstitial disease
        –Polycystic kidney disease, interstitial nephritis, papillary necrosis, ATN
    • Urinary pelvic junction obstruction
    • Urolithiasis/nephrolithiasis
      –Painless in up to 50% of children
      • Urethrorrhagia
        –Recurrent gross hematuria (spotting on the underwear)
        –Most common in peripubertal males
    • Malignancies (e.g., Wilms tumor)
    • Vascular (e.g., renal vein thrombosis)
    • Trauma
      • Non-urinary tract blood
        –Menses, perineal irritation, pinworms, masturbation, STDs, sexual abuse
    • Munchausen/Munchausen by proxy (rare)

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007

    Hematuria: Medical causes
    (Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

    Bladder cancer

    A primary cause of gross hematuria in men, bladder cancer may also produce pain in the bladder, rectum, pelvis, flank, back, or leg

    Other common features are nocturia, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia.

    Bladder trauma

    Gross hematuria is characteristic in traumatic rupture or perforation of the bladder Typically, hematuria is accompanied by lower abdominal pain and, occasionally, anuria despite a strong urge to void

    The patient may also develop swelling of the scrotum, buttocks, or perineum and signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.

    Calculi

    Bladder and renal calculi produce hematuria, which may be associated with signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency Bladder calculi usually cause gross hematuria, referred pain to the lower back or penile or vulvar area and, in some patients, bladder distention.

    Renal calculi may produce microscopic or gross hematuria

    The cardinal symptom, however, is colicky pain that travels from the CVA to the flank, suprapubic region, and external genitalia when a calculus is passed. The pain may be excruciating at its peak. Other signs and symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, restlessness, a fever, chills, abdominal distention and, possibly, decreased bowel sounds.

    Coagulation disorders

    Macroscopic hematuria is usually the first sign of hemorrhage in coagulation disorders, such as thrombocytopenia or disseminated intravascular coagulation

    Other features include epistaxis, purpura (petechiae and ecchymoses), and signs of GI bleeding.

    Cortical necrosis (acute)

    Accompanying gross hematuria in acute cortical necrosis are intense flank pain, anuria, leukocytosis, and a fever.

    Cystitis

    Hematuria is a telling sign in all types of cystitis

    Bacterial cystitis usually produces macroscopic hematuria with urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient complains of perineal and lumbar pain, suprapubic discomfort, and fatigue and occasionally has a low-grade fever.

    More common in women, chronic interstitial cystitis occasionally causes grossly bloody hematuria. Associated features include urinary frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. Microscopic and macroscopic hematuria may occur with tubercular cystitis, which may also cause urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, tenesmus, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. Viral cystitis usually produces hematuria, urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, tenesmus, and a fever.

    Diverticulitis

    When diverticulitis involves the bladder, it usually causes microscopic hematuria, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and nocturia

    Characteristic findings include left lower quadrant pain, abdominal tenderness, constipation or diarrhea and, at times, a palpable, firm, fixed, and tender abdominal mass The patient may also develop mild nausea, flatulence, and a low-grade fever.

    Glomerulonephritis

    Acute glomerulonephritis usually begins with gross hematuria that tapers off to microscopic hematuria and red cell casts, which may persist for months It may also produce oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, a mild fever, fatigue, flank and abdominal pain, generalized edema, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and signs of lung congestion, such as crackles and a productive cough.

    Chronic glomerulonephritis usually causes microscopic hematuria accompanied by proteinuria, generalized edema, and increased blood pressure

    Signs and symptoms of uremia may also occur in advanced disease.

    Nephritis (interstitial)

    Typically, nephritis causes microscopic hematuria However, the patient with acute interstitial nephritis may develop gross hematuria. Other findings are a fever, a maculopapular rash, and oliguria or anuria. In chronic interstitial nephritis, the patient has dilute — almost colorless — urine that may be accompanied by polyuria and increased blood pressure.

    Nephropathy (obstructive)

    Obstructive nephropathy may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria, but urine is rarely grossly bloody The patient may report colicky flank and abdominal pain, CVA tenderness, and anuria or oliguria that alternates with polyuria.

    Polycystic kidney disease

    Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary disorder that may cause recurrent microscopic or gross hematuria

    Although commonly asymptomatic before age 40, it may cause increased blood pressure, polyuria, dull flank pain, and signs of a UTI, such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency Later, the patient develops a swollen, tender abdomen and lumbar pain that’s aggravated by exertion and relieved by lying down

    He may also have proteinuria and colicky abdominal pain from the ureteral passage of clots or stones.

    Prostatitis

    Whether acute or chronic, prostatitis may cause macroscopic hematuria, usually at the end of urination It may also produce urinary frequency and urgency and dysuria followed by visible bladder distention.

    Acute prostatitis also produces fatigue, malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, a fever with chills, nausea, vomiting, perineal and low back pain, and a decreased libido

    Rectal palpation reveals a tender, swollen, boggy, firm prostate.

    Chronic prostatitis commonly follows an acute attack. It may cause persistent urethral discharge, dull perineal pain, ejaculatory pain, and a decreased libido.

    Pyelonephritis (acute)

    Acute pyelonephritis typically produces microscopic or macroscopic hematuria that progresses to grossly bloody hematuria

    After the infection resolves, microscopic hematuria may persist for a few months. Related signs and symptoms include a persistent high fever, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, CVA tenderness, shaking chills, weakness, fatigue, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient may also exhibit nausea, anorexia, vomiting, and signs of paralytic ileus, such as hypoactive or absent bowel sounds and abdominal distention.

    Renal cancer

    The classic triad of signs and symptoms includes grossly bloody hematuria; dull, aching flank pain; and a smooth, firm, palpable flank mass

    Colicky pain may accompany the passage of clots Other findings include a fever, CVA tenderness, and increased blood pressure

    In advanced disease, the patient may develop weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and leg edema with varicoceles.

    Renal infarction

    Typically, renal infarction produces gross hematuria The patient may complain of constant, severe flank and upper abdominal pain accompanied by CVA tenderness, anorexia, and nausea and vomiting

    Other findings include oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, hypoactive bowel sounds and, a day or two after infarction, a fever and increased blood pressure.

    Renal papillary necrosis (acute)

    Acute renal papillary necrosis usually produces grossly bloody hematuria, which may be accompanied by intense flank pain, CVA tenderness, abdominal rigidity and colicky pain, oliguria or anuria, pyuria, fever, chills, vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds Arthralgia and hypertension are common.

    Renal trauma

    About 80% of patients with renal trauma have microscopic or gross hematuria Accompanying signs and symptoms may include flank pain, a palpable flank mass, oliguria, hematoma or ecchymoses over the upper abdomen or flank, nausea and vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds

    Severe trauma may precipitate signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.

    Renal tuberculosis

    Gross hematuria is commonly the first sign of renal tuberculosis It may be accompanied by urinary frequency, dysuria, pyuria, tenesmus, colicky abdominal pain, lumbar pain, and proteinuria.

    Renal vein thrombosis

    Grossly bloody hematuria usually occurs in renal vein thrombosis In abrupt venous obstruction, the patient experiences severe flank and lumbar pain as well as epigastric and CVA tenderness

    Other features include a fever, pallor, proteinuria, peripheral edema and, when the obstruction is bilateral, oliguria or anuria and other uremic signs. The kidneys are easily palpable. Gradual venous obstruction causes signs of nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria and, occasionally, peripheral edema.

    Schistosomiasis

    Schistosomiasis usually causes intermittent hematuria at the end of urination It may be accompanied by dysuria, colicky renal and bladder pain, and palpable lower abdominal masses.

    Sickle cell anemia

    Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disorder in which gross hematuria may result from congestion of the renal papillae Associated signs and symptoms may include pallor, dehydration, chronic fatigue, polyarthralgia, leg ulcers, dyspnea, chest pain, impaired growth and development, hepatomegaly and, possibly, jaundice

    Auscultation reveals tachycardia and systolic and diastolic murmurs.

    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

    Gross hematuria and proteinuria may occur when SLE involves the kidneys Cardinal associated features include nondeforming joint pain and stiffness, a butterfly rash, photosensitivity, Raynaud’s phenomenon, seizures or psychoses, a recurrent fever, lymphadenopathy, oral or nasopharyngeal ulcers, anorexia, and weight loss.

    Urethral trauma

    Initial hematuria may occur, possibly with blood at the urinary meatus, local pain, and penile or vulvar ecchymoses.

    Vasculitis

    Hematuria is usually microscopic in vasculitis Associated signs and symptoms include malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, a fever, increased blood pressure, pallor and, occasionally, anuria

    Other features, such as urticaria and purpura, may reflect the etiology of vasculitis.

    Other causes

    Diagnostic tests

    Renal biopsy is the diagnostic test most commonly associated with hematuria This sign may also result from biopsy or manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract such as in cystoscopy.

    Drugs

    Drugs that commonly cause hematuria are anticoagulants, aspirin (toxicity), analgesics, cyclophosphamide, metyrosine, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, penicillin, rifampin, and thiabendazole.

    Herb alert

    When taken with an anticoagulant, herbal remedies, such as garlic and ginkgo biloba, can cause adverse reactions, including excessive bleeding and hematuria.

    Treatments

    Any therapy that involves manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract, such as transurethral prostatectomy, may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria Following a kidney transplant, a patient may experience hematuria with or without clots, which may require indwelling urinary catheter irrigation.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

    Polycystic kidney disease: Causes and incidence
    (Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

    While both types of polycystic kidney disease are genetically transmitted, the incidence in two distinct age groups and different inheritance patterns suggest two unrelated disorders. The infantile type appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait, whereas the adult type seems to be an autosomal dominant trait. The gene has been located on chromosome 6, supporting the premise that this is a single genetic disease with variable phenotype presentation.

    Polycystic kidney disease reportedly affects 1 in every 1,000 Americans; yet that number may be even higher because some cases from patients who aren’t symptomatic go unreported. Both types of polycystic kidney disease affect males and females equally.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

    Kidney cancer: Causes and incidence
    (Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

    The causes of kidney cancer aren't known, although smokers develop more renal cell tumors than nonsmokers. However, the incidence of this malignancy is rising, possibly as a result of exposure to environmental carcinogens as well as increased longevity. Even so, this cancer accounts for only about 2% of all adult cancers. Kidney cancer is more common in men than women and peaks in incidence between ages 50 and 70.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

    Medullary sponge kidney: Causes and incidence
    (Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

    Medullary sponge kidney may be transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait, but this remains unproven. Most nephrologists consider it a congenital abnormality.

    Although medullary sponge kidney may be found in both sexes and in all age groups, it primarily affects males ages 40 to 70. It occurs in about 1 in every 5,000 to 20,000 persons.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

    Chronic renal failure: Causes and incidence
    (Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))

    Diabetes and hypertension are the primary causes of chronic renal failure, accounting for two-thirds of cases. Other causes of chronic renal failure include:

    ❑ chronic glomerular disease such as glomerulonephritis

    ❑ chronic infections, such as chronic pyelonephritis or tuberculosis

    ❑ congenital anomalies such as polycystic kidneys

    ❑ vascular diseases such as renal nephrosclerosis

    ❑ obstructive processes such as calculi

    ❑ collagen diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus

    ❑ nephrotoxic agents such as long-term aminoglycoside therapy.

    These conditions gradually destroy the nephrons and eventually cause irreversible renal failure. Similarly, acute renal failure that fails to respond to treatment becomes chronic renal failure.

    This syndrome may progress through the following stages:

    ❑ reduced renal reserve (creatinine clearance glomerular filtration rate [GFR] is 40 to 70 ml/minute)

    ❑ renal insufficiency (GFR 20 to 40 ml/ minute)

    ❑ renal failure (GFR 10 to 20 ml/minute)

    ❑ end-stage renal disease (GFR less than 10 ml/minute).

    Chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease affect about 2 out of 1,000 people in the United States.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005

    Hematuria: Medical causes
    (Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

    Appendicitis

    About 15% of patients with appendicitis have either microscopic or macroscopic hematuria accompanied by bladder tenderness, dysuria, and urinary urgency. More typical findings include constant right-lower-quadrant pain (especially over McBurney’s point), nausea and vomiting, anorexia, abdominal rigidity, rebound tenderness, constipation, tachycardia, and low-grade fever.

    Bladder cancer

    A primary cause of gross hematuria in men, bladder cancer may also produce pain in the bladder, rectum, pelvis, flank, back, or leg. Other common features are nocturia, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia.

    Bladder trauma

    A characteristic finding in traumatic rupture or perforation of the bladder, gross hematuria is typically accompanied by lower abdominal pain. The patient may also develop anuria despite a strong urge to void; swelling of the scrotum, buttocks, or perineum; and signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.

    Calculi

    Both bladder and renal calculi produce hematuria, which may be associated with signs of urinary tract infection, such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Bladder calculi may also cause gross hematuria, referred pain to the lower back or penile or vulvar area and, occasionally, bladder distention.

    Renal calculi may produce microscopic or gross hematuria. The cardinal symptom, though, is colicky pain that travels from the CVA to the flank, suprapubic region, and external genitalia when a calculus is passed. The pain may be excruciating at its peak. Other signs and symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, restlessness, fever, chills, abdominal distention and, possibly, decreased bowel sounds.

    Coagulation disorders

    Macroscopic hematuria is commonly the first sign of hemorrhage in coagulation disorders, such as thrombocytopenia or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Among other features are epistaxis, purpura (petechiae and ecchymosis), and signs of GI bleeding.

    Cortical necrosis (acute)

    Accompanying gross hematuria in this renal disorder are intense flank pain, anuria, leukocytosis, and fever.

    Cystitis

    Hematuria is a telling sign in all types of cystitis. Bacterial cystitis usually produces macroscopic hematuria with urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient complains of perineal and lumbar pain, suprapubic discomfort, and fatigue and occasionally has a low-grade fever.

    More common in women, chronic interstitial cystitis occasionally causes gross hematuria. Associated features include urinary frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. Both microscopic and macroscopic hematuria may occur in tubercular cystitis, which may also cause urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, tenesmus, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. Viral cystitis usually produces hematuria, urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, tenesmus, and fever.

    Diverticulitis

    When this disorder involves the bladder, it usually causes microscopic hematuria, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and nocturia. Characteristic findings include left-lower-quadrant pain, abdominal tenderness, constipation or diarrhea and, occasionally, a palpable, firm, fixed, and tender abdominal mass. The patient may also develop mild nausea, flatulence, and a low-grade fever.

    Endocarditis (subacute infective)

    Occasionally, this disorder produces embolization, resulting in renal infarction and microscopic or gross hematuria. Common related findings are constant fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue, pallor, anorexia, weight loss, polyarthralgia, petechiae, flank pain, severe back pain, stiff neck, cardiac murmurs, tachycardia, and splenomegaly.

    Glomerulonephritis

    Acute glomerulonephritis usually begins with gross hematuria that tapers off to microscopic hematuria and RBC casts, which may persist for months. It may also produce oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, mild fever, fatigue, flank and abdominal pain, generalized edema, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and signs of lung congestion, such as crackles and a productive cough.

    Chronic glomerulonephritis usually causes microscopic hematuria accompanied by proteinuria, generalized edema, and increased blood pressure. Signs and symptoms of uremia may also occur in advanced disease.

    Nephritis (interstitial)

    Typically, this infection causes microscopic hematuria. However, some patients with acute interstitial nephritis may develop gross hematuria. Other findings are fever, maculopapular rash, and oliguria or anuria. In chronic interstitial nephritis, the patient has dilute—almost colorless—urine that may be accompanied by polyuria and increased blood pressure.

    Nephropathy (obstructive)

    This disorder may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria, but urine is rarely grossly bloody. The patient may report colicky flank and abdominal pain, CVA tenderness, and anuria or oliguria that alternates with polyuria.

    Polycystic kidney disease

    This hereditary disorder may cause recurrent microscopic or gross hematuria. It commonly produces no symptoms before age 40 but may cause increased blood pressure, polyuria, dull flank pain, and signs of urinary tract infection, such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Later, the patient develops a swollen, tender abdomen and lumbar pain that’s aggravated by exertion and relieved by lying down. He may also have proteinuria and colicky abdominal pain from the ureteral passage of clots or calculi.

    Prostatic hyperplasia (benign)

    About 20% of patients with an enlarged prostate have macroscopic hematuria, usually when a significant obstruction is present. The hematuria is usually preceded by diminished urinary stream, tenesmus, and a feeling of incomplete voiding. It may be accompanied by urinary hesitancy, frequency, and incontinence; nocturia; perineal pain; and constipation. Inspection reveals a midline mass representing the distended bladder; rectal palpation reveals an enlarged prostate.

    Prostatitis

    Whether acute or chronic, prostatitis may cause macroscopic hematuria, usually at the end of urination. It may also produce urinary frequency and urgency and dysuria followed by visible bladder distention.

    Acute prostatitis also produces fatigue, malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, fever with chills, nausea, vomiting, perineal and low back pain, and decreased libido. Rectal palpation reveals a tender, swollen, boggy, firm prostate.

    Chronic prostatitis commonly follows an acute attack. It may cause persistent urethral discharge, dull perineal pain, ejaculatory pain, and decreased libido.

    Pyelonephritis (acute)

    This infection typically produces microscopic or macroscopic hematuria that progresses to gross hematuria. After the infection resolves, microscopic hematuria may persist for a few months. Related signs and symptoms include persistent high fever, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, CVA tenderness, shaking chills, weakness, fatigue, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient may also exhibit nausea, vomiting, anorexia, and signs of paralytic ileus, such as hypoactive or absent bowel sounds and abdominal distention.

    Renal cancer

    The classic triad of signs and symptoms includes gross hematuria; dull, aching flank pain; and a smooth, firm, palpable flank mass. Colicky pain may accompany the passage of clots. Other findings include fever, CVA tenderness, and increased blood pressure. In advanced disease, the patient may develop weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and leg edema with varicoceles.

    Renal infarction

    Typically, this disorder produces gross hematuria. The patient may complain of constant, severe flank and upper abdominal pain accompanied by CVA tenderness, anorexia, and nausea and vomiting. Other findings include oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, hypoactive bowel sounds and, a day or two after the infarction, fever and increased blood pressure.

    Renal papillary necrosis (acute)

    This disorder usually produces gross hematuria, which may be accompanied by intense flank pain, CVA tenderness, abdominal rigidity and colicky pain, oliguria or anuria, pyuria, fever, chills, vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Arthralgia and hypertension are common.

    Renal trauma

    About 80% of patients with renal trauma have microscopic or gross hematuria. Accompanying signs and symptoms may include flank pain, a palpable flank mass, oliguria, hematoma or ecchymosis over the upper abdomen or flank, nausea and vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Severe trauma may precipitate signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.

    Renal tuberculosis

    Gross hematuria is often the first sign of this disorder. It may be accompanied by urinary frequency, dysuria, pyuria, tenesmus, colicky abdominal pain, lumbar pain, and proteinuria.

    Renal vein thrombosis

    Gross hematuria usually occurs in this type of thrombosis. In an abrupt venous obstruction, the patient experiences severe flank and lumbar pain as well as epigastric and CVA tenderness. Other features include fever, pallor, proteinuria, peripheral edema and, when the obstruction is bilateral, oliguria or anuria and other uremic signs. The kidneys are easily palpable. Gradual venous obstruction causes signs of nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria and, occasionally, peripheral edema.

    Schistosomiasis

    This infection usually causes intermittent hematuria at the end of urination. It may be accompanied by dysuria, colicky renal and bladder pain, and palpable lower abdominal masses.

    Sickle cell anemia

    In this hereditary disorder, gross hematuria may result from congestion of the renal papillae. Associated signs and symptoms may include pallor, dehydration, chronic fatigue, polyarthralgia, leg ulcers, dyspnea, chest pain, impaired growth and development, hepatomegaly and, possibly, jaundice. Auscultation reveals tachycardia and systolic and diastolic murmurs.

    Systemic lupus erythematosus

    Gross hematuria and proteinuria may occur when this disorder involves the kidneys. Cardinal features include nondeforming joint pain and stiffness, a butterfly rash, photosensitivity, Raynaud’s phenomenon, seizures or psychoses, recurrent fever, lymphadenopathy, oral or nasopharyngeal ulcers, anorexia, and weight loss.

    Urethral trauma

    Hematuria may occur initially, possibly with blood at the urinary meatus, local pain, and penile or vulvar ecchymosis.

    Vaginitis

    When this infection spreads to the urinary tract, it may produce macroscopic hematuria. Related signs and symptoms may include urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, nocturia, perineal pain, pruritus, and a malodorous vaginal discharge.

    Vasculitis

    Hematuria is usually microscopic in this disorder. Associated signs and symptoms include malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, fever, increased blood pressure, pallor and, occasionally, anuria. Other features, such as urticaria and purpura, may reflect the etiology of vasculitis.

    Other causes

    Diagnostic tests

    Renal biopsy is the diagnostic test most often associated with hematuria. This sign may also result from biopsy or manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract, as in cystoscopy.

    Drugs

    Drugs that commonly cause hematuria are anticoagulants, aspirin (toxicity), analgesics, cyclophosphamide, metyrosine, penicillin, rifampin, and thiabendazole.

    Herb Alert

    When taken with an anticoagulant, herbal medicines such as garlic and ginkgo biloba can cause excessive bleeding and hematuria.

    Treatments

    Any therapy that involves manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract, such as transurethral prostatectomy, may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria. After a kidney transplant, a patient may experience hematuria with or without clots, which may require indwelling urinary catheter irrigation.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

    Hematuria: Differential Overview
    (Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

    ❑ Urinary tract infection

    ❑ Nephrolithiasis

    ❑ Anticoagulation

    ❑ Long distance running

    ❑ Renal trauma

    ❑ Bladder cancer

    ❑ Renal cell cancer

    ❑ Transitional cell cancer

    ❑ Glomerulonephritis

    ❑ Interstitial cystitis

    ❑ Hemorrhagic cystitis

    ❑ Hemoglobinuria

    ❑ Endocarditis

    ❑ Polycystic kidney disease

    ❑ Renal artery embolism

    ❑ Renal vein thrombosis

    ❑ Endometrial implants

    ❑ Wegener granulomatosis

    ❑ Goodpasture syndrome

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007

    Polycystic kidney disease: Causes
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    Although both types of polycystic kidney disease are genetically transmitted, the incidence in two distinct age-groups and different inheritance patterns suggest two unrelated disorders. The infantile type appears to be inherited as an autosomal recessive trait; the adult type, as an autosomal dominant trait. Both types affect males and females equally.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

    Kidney cancer: Causes
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    The cause of kidney cancer is unknown. However, the incidence of this cancer is rising, possibly as a result of exposure to environmental carcinogens as well as increased longevity. Even so, kidney cancer accounts for only about 2% of all adult cancers. It’s twice as common in men as in women and usually affects patients older than age 40.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

    Renal failure, acute: Causes
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    Acute renal failure can be classified as prerenal, intrinsic (or parenchymatous), or postrenal.

    Prerenal failure

    Diminished blood flow to the kidneys causes prerenal failure. Such decreased flow may result from hypovolemia, shock, embolism, blood loss, sepsis, pooling of fluid in ascites or burns, or a cardiovascular disorder, such as heart failure, arrhythmias, and tamponade. Other causes include disorders of the blood, such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, transfusion reactions, and other hemolytic disorders; malignant hypertension; and disorders resulting from childbirth-like bleeding (associated with placental abruption or placenta previa) that can damage the kidneys. Autoimmune disorders, such as scleroderma, can also cause acute renal failure.

    Intrinsic renal failure

    Parenchymatous, or intrinsic, renal failure results from damage to the kidneys themselves, usually resulting from acute tubular necrosis. Such damage may also result from acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, polyarteritis nodosa, vasculitis, sickle cell disease, bilateral renal vein thrombosis, nephrotoxins, ischemia, renal myeloma, and acute pyelonephritis.

    Postrenal failure

    Bilateral obstruction of urine outflow results in postrenal failure. Possible causes include renal calculi, clots, papillae from papillary necrosis, tumors, benign prostatic hyperplasia, strictures, and urethral edema from catheterization.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

    Renal failure, chronic: Causes
    (Handbook of Diseases)

    Chronic renal failure may result from:

    chronic glomerular disease such as glomerulonephritis

    chronic infection, such as chronic pyelonephritis or tuberculosis

    a congenital anomaly such as polycystic kidneys

    vascular disease, such as renal nephrosclerosis or hypertension

    an obstructive process such as calculi

    collagen disease such as systemic lupus erythematosus

    nephrotoxic drug therapy such as long-term aminoglycoside therapy

    endocrine disease such as diabetic neuropathy.

    Such conditions gradually destroy the nephrons and eventually cause irreversible renal failure. Similarly, acute renal failure that fails to respond to treatment becomes chronic renal failure.

    Chronic renal failure may progress through the following stages:

    reduced renal reserve (glomerular filtration rate [GFR] is 40 to 70 ml/ minute)

    renal insufficiency (GFR is 20 to 40 ml/ minute)

    renal failure (GFR 10 to 20 ml/ minute)

    end-stage renal disease (GFR is < 10 ml/minute). >

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003

    Hematuria: Medical causes
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Appendicitis

    About 15% of patients with appendicitis have either microscopic or macroscopic hematuria accompanied by bladder tenderness, dysuria, and urinary urgency. More typical findings include constant right-lower-quadrant pain (especially over McBurney’s point), nausea and vomiting, anorexia, abdominal rigidity, rebound tenderness, constipation, tachycardia, and low-grade fever.

    Bladder cancer

    A primary cause of gross hematuria in men, bladder cancer may also produce pain in the bladder, rectum, pelvis, flank, back, or leg. Other common features are nocturia, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia.

    Bladder trauma

    Gross hematuria is characteristic in traumatic rupture or perforation of the bladder. Typically, the hematuria is accompanied by lower abdominal pain and, occasionally, anuria despite a strong urge to void. The patient may also develop swelling of the scrotum, buttocks, or perineum and signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.

    Calculi

    Bladder and renal calculi produce hematuria, which may be associated with signs of urinary tract infection, such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Bladder calculi usually cause gross hematuria, referred pain to the lower back or penile or vulvar area and, in some patients, bladder distention.

    Renal calculi may produce microscopic or gross hematuria. The cardinal symptom, though, is colicky pain that travels from the CVA to the flank, suprapubic region, and external genitalia when a calculus is passed. The pain may be excruciating at its peak. Other signs and symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, restlessness, fever, chills, abdominal distention and, possibly, decreased bowel sounds.

    Coagulation disorders

    Macroscopic hematuria is typically the first sign of hemorrhage in coagulation disorders, such as thrombocytopenia or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Among other features are epistaxis, purpura (petechiae and ecchymoses), and signs of GI bleeding.

    Cystitis

    Hematuria is a telling sign in all types of cystitis. Bacterial cystitis usually produces macroscopic hematuria with urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient complains of perineal and lumbar pain, suprapubic discomfort, and fatigue and occasionally has a low-grade fever.

    More common in women, chronic interstitial cystitis occasionally causes grossly bloody hematuria. Associated features include urinary frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. Both microscopic and macroscopic hematuria may occur with tubercular cystitis, which may also cause urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, tenesmus, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. Viral cystitis usually produces hematuria, urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, tenesmus, and fever.

    Diverticulitis

    When diverticulitis involves the bladder, it usually causes microscopic hematuria, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and nocturia. Characteristic findings include left-lower-quadrant pain, abdominal tenderness, constipation or diarrhea and, at times, a palpable, firm, fixed, and tender abdominal mass. The patient may also develop mild nausea, flatulence, and a low-grade fever.

    Endocarditis (subacute infective)

    Occasionally, subacute infective endocarditis produces embolization, resulting in renal infarction and microscopic or gross hematuria. Among common related findings are constant fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue, pallor, anorexia, weight loss, polyarthralgia, petechiae, flank pain, severe back pain, stiff neck, cardiac murmurs, tachycardia, and splenomegaly.

    Glomerulonephritis

    Acute glomerulonephritis usually begins with gross hematuria that tapers off to microscopic hematuria and red cell casts, which may persist for months. It may also produce oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, mild fever, fatigue, flank and abdominal pain, generalized edema, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and signs of lung congestion, such as crackles and a productive cough.

    Chronic glomerulonephritis usually causes microscopic hematuria accompanied by proteinuria, generalized edema, and increased blood pressure. Signs and symptoms of uremia may also occur in advanced disease.

    Nephritis (interstitial)

    Typically, this infection causes microscopic hematuria. However, some patients with acute interstitial nephritis may develop gross hematuria. Other findings are fever, maculopapular rash, and oliguria or anuria. In chronic interstitial nephritis, the patient has dilute — almost colorless — urine that may be accompanied by polyuria and increased blood pressure.

    Nephropathy (obstructive)

    Obstructive nephropathy may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria, but rarely is urine grossly bloody. The patient may report colicky flank and abdominal pain, CVA tenderness, and anuria or oliguria that alternates with polyuria.

    Polycystic kidney disease

    Polycystic kidney disease, a hereditary disorder, may cause recurrent microscopic or gross hematuria. Although usually asymptomatic before age 40, it may cause increased blood pressure, polyuria, dull flank pain, and signs of urinary tract infection, such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Later, the patient develops a swollen, tender abdomen and lumbar pain that’s aggravated by exertion and relieved by lying down. He may also have proteinuria and colicky abdominal pain from the ureteral passage of clots or stones.

    Prostatic hyperplasia (benign)

    About 20% of patients with enlarged prostates have macroscopic hematuria, usually when a significant obstruction is present. The hematuria is usually preceded by diminished urinary stream, tenesmus, and a feeling of incomplete voiding. It may be accompanied by urinary hesitancy, frequency, and incontinence; nocturia; perineal pain; and constipation. Inspection reveals a midline mass representing the distended bladder; rectal palpation reveals an enlarged prostate.

    Prostatitis

    Whether acute or chronic, prostatitis may cause macroscopic hematuria, usually at the end of urination. It may also produce urinary frequency and urgency and dysuria followed by visible bladder distention.

    Acute prostatitis also produces fatigue, malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, fever with chills, nausea, vomiting, perineal and low back pain, and decreased libido. Rectal palpation reveals a tender, swollen, firm prostate.

    Chronic prostatitis commonly follows an acute attack. It may cause persistent urethral discharge, dull perineal pain, ejaculatory pain, and decreased libido.

    Pyelonephritis (acute)

    Acute pyelonephritis typically produces microscopic or macroscopic hematuria that progresses to grossly bloody hematuria. After the infection resolves, microscopic hematuria may persist for a few months. Related signs and symptoms include persistent high fever, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, CVA tenderness, shaking chills, weakness, fatigue, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient may also exhibit nausea, anorexia, vomiting, and signs of paralytic ileus, such as hypoactive or absent bowel sounds and abdominal distention.

    Renal cancer

    The classic triad of signs and symptoms of renal cancer includes grossly bloody hematuria; dull, aching flank pain; and a smooth, firm, palpable flank mass. Colicky pain may accompany the passage of clots. Other findings include fever, CVA tenderness, and increased blood pressure. In advanced disease, the patient may develop weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and leg edema with varicoceles.

    Renal infarction

    Typically, this disorder produces gross hematuria. The patient may complain of constant, severe flank and upper abdominal pain accompanied by CVA tenderness, anorexia, and nausea and vomiting. Other findings include oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, hypoactive bowel sounds and, a day or two after infarction, fever and increased blood pressure.

    Renal papillary necrosis (acute)

    Acute renal papillary necrosis usually produces grossly bloody hematuria, which may be accompanied by intense flank pain, CVA tenderness, abdominal rigidity and colicky pain, oliguria or anuria, pyuria, fever, chills, vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Arthralgia and hypertension are common.

    Renal trauma

    About 80% of patients with renal trauma have microscopic or gross hematuria. Accompanying signs and symptoms may include flank pain, a palpable flank mass, oliguria, hematoma or ecchymoses over the upper abdomen or flank, nausea and vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Severe trauma may precipitate signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.

    Renal tuberculosis

    Gross hematuria is often the first sign of renal tuberculosis. It may be accompanied by urinary frequency, dysuria, pyuria, tenesmus, colicky abdominal pain, lumbar pain, and proteinuria.

    Renal vein thrombosis

    Grossly bloody hematuria usually occurs in renal vein thrombosis. In abrupt venous obstruction, the patient experiences severe flank and lumbar pain as well as epigastric and CVA tenderness. Other features include fever, pallor, proteinuria, peripheral edema and, when the obstruction is bilateral, oliguria or anuria and other uremic signs. The kidneys are easily palpable. Gradual venous obstruction causes signs of nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria and, occasionally, peripheral edema.

    Sickle cell anemia

    In this hereditary disorder, gross hematuria may result from congestion of the renal papillae. Associated signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia may include pallor, dehydration, chronic fatigue, polyarthralgia, leg ulcers, dyspnea, chest pain, impaired growth and development, hepatomegaly and, possibly, jaundice. Auscultation reveals tachycardia and systolic and diastolic murmurs.

    Systemic lupus erythematosus

    Gross hematuria and proteinuria may occur when systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves the kidneys. Cardinal associated features include nondeforming joint pain and stiffness, a butterfly rash, photosensitivity, Raynaud’s phenomenon, seizures or psychoses, recurrent fever, lymphadenopathy, oral or nasopharyngeal ulcers, anorexia, and weight loss.

    Urethral trauma

    With urethral trauma, initial hematuria may occur, possibly with blood at the urinary meatus, local pain, and penile or vulvar ecchymoses.

    Vaginitis

    When vaginitis spreads to the urinary tract, it may produce macroscopic hematuria. Related signs and symptoms may include urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, nocturia, perineal pain, pruritus, and a malodorous vaginal discharge.

    Vasculitis

    Hematuria is usually microscopic in vasculitis. Associated signs and symptoms include malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, fever, increased blood pressure, pallor and, occasionally, anuria. Other features, such as urticaria and purpura, may reflect the etiology of vasculitis.

    Other causes

    Diagnostic tests

    Renal biopsy is the diagnostic test most often associated with hematuria. This sign may also result from biopsy or manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract, as in cystoscopy.

    Drugs

    Drugs that commonly cause hematuria are anticoagulants, aspirin toxicity, analgesics, cyclophosphamide, metyrosine, phenylbutazone, penicillin, rifampin, and thiabendazole.

    Treatments

    Any therapy that involves manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract, such as transurethral prostatectomy, may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria. Following a kidney transplant a patient may experience hematuria with or without clots, which may require indwelling urinary catheter irrigation.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

    Hematuria: Principal Causes of Hematuria
    (The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics)

    1. Hematuriawithout proteinuria
      1. Glomerular disorders
        1. Acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis
        2. Immunoglobulin A nephropathy
        3. Henoch-Schönlein nephritis
        4. Alport syndrome
        5. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
        6. Systemic lupus erythematosus
        7. Familial benign hematuria (thin basementmembrane nephropathy)
        8. Nonfamilial benign hematuria
      2. Nonglomerular disorders
        1. Urinarytract infection
        2. Trauma
        3. Exercise
        4. Hydronephrosis
        5. Renal vein thrombosis
        6. Hemoglobinopathies
        7. Idiopathic hypercalciuria
        8. Urolithiasis
        9. Polycystic kidney disease
        10. Renal tuberculosis
        11. Vascular malformations
        12. Foreign body in the urethra or bladder
        13. Neoplasm
        14. Bleeding disorders
        15. Drugs
    2. Hematuria with proteinuria
      1. Glomerulardisorders
        1. Acutepostinfectious glomerulonephritis
        2. Immunoglobulin A nephropathy
        3. Henoch-Schönlein nephritis
        4. Alport syndrome
        5. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis
        6. Systemic lupus erythematosus
        7. Membranous nephropathy
        8. Glomerulonephritis of chronic infection
        9. Idiopathic rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis
        10. Hemolytic-uremic syndrome
        11. Polyarteritis nodosa
        12. Antiglomerular basement membrane disease(Goodpasture disease)
        13. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
        14. Wegener granulomatosis

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: The Diagnostic Approach to Symptoms and Signs in Pediatrics, 2006

    Hematuria: Medical causes
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    Bladder cancer.A primary cause of gross hematuria in men, bladder cancer may also produce pain in the bladder, rectum, pelvis, flank, back, or leg. Other common features are nocturia, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, vomiting, diarrhea, and insomnia.

    Bladder trauma.Gross hematuria is characteristic in traumatic rupture or perforation of the bladder. Typically, hematuria is accompanied by lower abdominal pain and, occasionally, anuria despite a strong urge to void. The patient may also develop swelling of the scrotum, buttocks, or perineum and signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.

    Calculi.Bladder and renal calculi produce hematuria, which may be associated with signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Bladder calculi usually cause gross hematuria, referred pain to the lower back or penile or vulvar area and, in some patients, bladder distention.

    Renal calculi may produce microscopic or gross hematuria. The cardinal symptom, however, is colicky pain that travels from the CVA to the flank, suprapubic region, and external genitalia when a calculus is passed. The pain may be excruciating at its peak. Other signs and symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, restlessness, a fever, chills, abdominal distention and, possibly, decreased bowel sounds.

    Coagulation disorders.Macroscopic hematuria is usually the first sign of hemorrhage in coagulation disorders, such as thrombocytopenia or disseminated intravascular coagulation. Other features include epistaxis, purpura (petechiae and ecchymoses), and signs of GI bleeding.

    Cortical necrosis (acute).Accompanying gross hematuria in acute cortical necrosis are intense flank pain, anuria, leukocytosis, and a fever.

    Cystitis.Hematuria is a telling sign in all types of cystitis. Bacterial cystitis usually produces macroscopic hematuria with urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient complains of perineal and lumbar pain, suprapubic discomfort, and fatigue and occasionally has a low-grade fever.

    More common in women, chronic interstitial cystitis occasionally causes grossly bloody hematuria. Associated features include urinary frequency, dysuria, nocturia, and tenesmus. Microscopic and macroscopic hematuria may occur with tubercular cystitis, which may also cause urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, tenesmus, flank pain, fatigue, and anorexia. Viral cystitis usually produces hematuria, urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria, nocturia, tenesmus, and a fever.

    Diverticulitis.When diverticulitis involves the bladder, it usually causes microscopic hematuria, urinary frequency and urgency, dysuria, and nocturia. Characteristic findings include left lower quadrant pain, abdominal tenderness, constipation or diarrhea and, at times, a palpable, firm, fixed, and tender abdominal mass. The patient may also develop mild nausea, flatulence, and a low-grade fever.

    Glomerulonephritis.Acute glomerulonephritis usually begins with gross hematuria that tapers off to microscopic hematuria and red cell casts, which may persist for months. It may also produce oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, a mild fever, fatigue, flank and abdominal pain, generalized edema, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, and signs of lung congestion, such as crackles and a productive cough.

    Chronic glomerulonephritis usually causes microscopic hematuria accompanied by proteinuria, generalized edema, and increased blood pressure. Signs and symptoms of uremia may also occur in advanced disease.

    Nephritis (interstitial).Typically, nephritis causes microscopic hematuria. However, the patient with acute interstitial nephritis may develop gross hematuria. Other findings are a fever, a maculopapular rash, and oliguria or anuria. In chronic interstitial nephritis, the patient has dilute—almost colorless—urine that may be accompanied by polyuria and increased blood pressure.

    Nephropathy (obstructive).Obstructive nephropathy may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria, but urine is rarely grossly bloody. The patient may report colicky flank and abdominal pain, CVA tenderness, and anuria or oliguria that alternates with polyuria.

    Polycystic kidney disease.Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary disorder that may cause recurrent microscopic or gross hematuria. Although it commonly produces no symptoms before age 40, it may cause increased blood pressure, polyuria, dull flank pain, and signs of a UTI, such as dysuria and urinary frequency and urgency. Later, the patient develops a swollen, tender abdomen and lumbar pain that's aggravated by exertion and relieved by lying down. He may also have proteinuria and colicky abdominal pain from the ureteral passage of clots or calculi.

    Prostatitis.Whether acute or chronic, prostatitis may cause macroscopic hematuria, usually at the end of urination. It may also produce urinary frequency and urgency and dysuria followed by visible bladder distention.

    Acute prostatitis also produces fatigue, malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, a fever with chills, nausea, vomiting, perineal and low back pain, and a decreased libido. Rectal palpation reveals a tender, swollen, boggy, firm prostate.

    Chronic prostatitis commonly follows an acute attack. It may cause persistent urethral discharge, dull perineal pain, ejaculatory pain, and a decreased libido.

    Pyelonephritis (acute).Acute pyelonephritis typically produces microscopic or macroscopic hematuria that progresses to grossly bloody hematuria. After the infection resolves, microscopic hematuria may persist for a few months. Related signs and symptoms include a persistent high fever, unilateral or bilateral flank pain, CVA tenderness, shaking chills, weakness, fatigue, dysuria, urinary frequency and urgency, nocturia, and tenesmus. The patient may also exhibit nausea, anorexia, vomiting, and signs of paralytic ileus, such as hypoactive or absent bowel sounds and abdominal distention.

    Renal cancer.The classic triad of signs and symptoms of renal cancer includes grossly bloody hematuria; dull, aching flank pain; and a smooth, firm, palpable flank mass. Colicky pain may accompany the passage of clots. Other findings include a fever, CVA tenderness, and increased blood pressure. In advanced disease, the patient may develop weight loss, nausea and vomiting, and leg edema with varicoceles.

    Renal infarction.Typically, renal infarction produces gross hematuria. The patient may complain of constant, severe flank and upper abdominal pain accompanied by CVA tenderness, anorexia, and nausea and vomiting. Other findings include oliguria or anuria, proteinuria, hypoactive bowel sounds and, a day or two after infarction, a fever and increased blood pressure.

    Renal papillary necrosis (acute).Acute renal papillary necrosis usually produces grossly bloody hematuria, which may be accompanied by intense flank pain, CVA tenderness, abdominal rigidity and colicky pain, oliguria or anuria, pyuria, fever, chills, vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Arthralgia and hypertension are common.

    Renal trauma.About 80% of patients with renal trauma have microscopic or gross hematuria. Accompanying signs and symptoms may include flank pain, a palpable flank mass, oliguria, hematoma or ecchymoses over the upper abdomen or flank, nausea and vomiting, and hypoactive bowel sounds. Severe trauma may precipitate signs of shock, such as tachycardia and hypotension.

    Renal tuberculosis.Gross hematuria is commonly the first sign of renal tuberculosis. It may be accompanied by urinary frequency, dysuria, pyuria, tenesmus, colicky abdominal pain, lumbar pain, and proteinuria.

    Renal vein thrombosis.Grossly bloody hematuria usually occurs in renal vein thrombosis. In abrupt venous obstruction, the patient experiences severe flank and lumbar pain as well as epigastric and CVA tenderness. Other features include a fever, pallor, proteinuria, peripheral edema and, when the obstruction is bilateral, oliguria or anuria and other uremic signs. The kidneys are easily palpable. Gradual venous obstruction causes signs of nephrotic syndrome, proteinuria and, occasionally, peripheral edema.

    Schistosomiasis.Schistosomiasis usually causes intermittent hematuria at the end of urination. It may be accompanied by dysuria, colicky renal and bladder pain, and palpable lower abdominal masses.

    Sickle cell anemia.Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary disorder in which gross hematuria may result from congestion of the renal papillae. Associated signs and symptoms may include pallor, dehydration, chronic fatigue, polyarthralgia, leg ulcers, dyspnea, chest pain, impaired growth and development, hepatomegaly and, possibly, jaundice. Auscultation reveals tachycardia and systolic and diastolic murmurs.

    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).Gross hematuria and proteinuria may occur when SLE involves the kidneys. Cardinal associated features include nondeforming joint pain and stiffness, a butterfly rash, photosensitivity, Raynaud's phenomenon, seizures or psychoses, a recurrent fever, lymphadenopathy, oral or nasopharyngeal ulcers, anorexia, and weight loss.

    Urethral trauma.Initial hematuria may occur, possibly with blood at the urinary meatus, local pain, and penile or vulvar ecchymoses.

    Vasculitis.Hematuria is usually microscopic in vasculitis. Associated signs and symptoms include malaise, myalgia, polyarthralgia, a fever, increased blood pressure, pallor and, occasionally, anuria. Other features, such as urticaria and purpura, may reflect the etiology of vasculitis.

    Other causes

    Diagnostic tests.Renal biopsy is the diagnostic test most commonly associated with hematuria. This sign may also result from biopsy or manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract such as in cystoscopy.

    Drugs.Drugs that commonly cause hematuria are anticoagulants, aspirin (toxicity), analgesics, cyclophosphamide, metyrosine, phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, penicillin, rifampin, and thiabendazole.

    Treatments.Any therapy that involves manipulative instrumentation of the urinary tract, such as transurethral prostatectomy, may cause microscopic or macroscopic hematuria. Following a kidney transplant, a patient may experience hematuria with or without clots, which may require indwelling urinary catheter irrigation.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007


     » Next page: Risk Factors for Kidney conditions

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